BACKGROUND

The Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, 2nd ed., published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in 2021, is a foundational resource for planning, designing, and operating sidewalks, crosswalks, shared-use paths, etc. But pedestrian infrastructure planning and design practices are rapidly evolving as practitioners gain a deeper understanding of user needs and the transportation industry focuses more closely on the safety of vulnerable road users with support from many recently updated national and local policies. This trend necessitates continuous updates to the current guide to ensure information remains current, effective, and reflective of best practices.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) initiatives such as Safe System Approach, Complete Streets, and Vision Zero emphasize creating inclusive and safe environments for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted over 30 years ago, efforts to accommodate pedestrians of all ages and abilities are ongoing. Recent research and technological advancements have improved our understanding of how to make pedestrian facilities more hospitable, comfortable, and usable.

Additionally, several federal regulations, including the Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and the 11th edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) impact pedestrian facility design and operation substantially. Information from these sources needs to be incorporated and aligned with other AASHTO guides such as the Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities and A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets. This alignment will ensure consistency across national guidelines and support the development of pedestrian facilities that are safe, accessible, and meet the evolving needs of all users in accordance with current trends and regulatory changes.

Research is needed to identify and document new content from recent studies and proven approaches in a single document to support practitioners from state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other agencies, as well as transportation professionals from industry and academia, to incorporate these updates into pedestrian facility planning, design, and operational practices.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research is to investigate and promote modern, proven approaches and provide implementable guidelines for planning, designing, and operating pedestrian facilities. 

The research will focus on enhancing pedestrian safety, accessibility, and mobility in various contexts. Ultimately, this research seeks to develop a comprehensive resource document that will support practitioners in creating pedestrian-friendly spaces for people of all ages and abilities. The research shall include at least the following:

• State-of-the-industry concepts, methods, and research to enhance pedestrian safety performance, network connectivity, and equity 
• Context-sensitive approaches for evaluating pedestrian needs and selecting appropriate facilities that promote the pedestrian mode for all ages and abilities
• Clear, actionable procedures to assist practitioners in planning, designing, and operating pedestrian facilities
• Alignment with national regulations to support the development of pedestrian facilities that are safe, ADA-compliant, and responsive to evolving needs
• Consistent, high-quality, and informative graphics that enhance readability and make the deliverables user-friendly

STATUS: Work has been initiated. The first interim report is expected in May 2026.