Crosswalk

A crosswalk, or pedestrian crossing, is a designated portion of a road intended for pedestrians to cross from one side to the other. Crosswalks may be marked with painted lines or constructed as islands or refuges, and can be located at intersections, mid-block crossings, or in parking areas. They are designed to separate pedestrian traffic from motor vehicles and establish a predictable crossing point.

There are several types of crosswalks. Marked crosswalks use painted lines on the roadway; zebra crossings—characterized by wide white stripes—rely on high visibility and pedestrian priority. Unmarked crosswalks may exist at some junctions where pedestrians may cross even without dedicated markings. Some locations include pedestrian refuges or median islands to shorten crossing distances and provide resting points.

Signals and rules vary by country. Signalised crosswalks use pedestrian lights to indicate when it is safe to cross and may include countdown timers or audible cues. Drivers are typically required to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. In unsignalised crosswalks, pedestrians may still have the right of way in marked areas, but attention and courtesy from both pedestrians and drivers remain essential.

Design and safety considerations include curb ramps, tactile paving for visually impaired pedestrians, proper lighting, and audible indicators. Crosswalks are often integrated with traffic calming measures and urban planning policies to improve safety and accessibility. Standards and terminology differ internationally, but the basic purpose is to provide a safe, predictable crossing point for pedestrians.