Walking

Design and engineering

Pedestrian facilities in roadway projects are supported by federal legislation, Minnesota State Statutes and MnDOT policy and practice.

Overall guidance

There are several key considerations when designing for people walking. People walk along and need to cross a wide variety of roadway types. Expect people to be walking on all roadways (except where prohibited), especially near key destinations such as schools, parks, grocery stores, homes, and transit stops. In addition, vehicle speed is one of the most important factors in roadway safety. High speeds increase both the risk of crashes and their severity.

• Where to expect people walking
• Vehicle speed
• Demonstration Project Implementation Guide

Crossings and intersections

Designers have many tools available to them to improve crossings and intersections for people walking. These features slow vehicle traffic and help drivers expect and see people walking at potential conflict points.

• Enhanced crossings
• Median crossing islands
• Curb extensions
• Mini-roundabouts

Policies and practices

MnDOT translates federal and state laws for including people walking and bicycling into policies and practices through the following:

• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Pedestrians Highway Project Development Process
• Facility Design Guide - Non-Motorized design is covered in Chapter 8
• Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian

Minnesota administrative rules

MnDOT’s State Aid for Local Transportation program supports streets, roads, and bridges that are not on the trunk highway system. For guidance on pedestrian accommodations on state-aid roads:

• Local State Aid Route Standards, Financing - Chapter 8820
• Minnesota State Aid for Local Transportation