Suojateiden

Suojateiden, commonly referred to in English as pedestrian crossings, are designated points where pedestrians may cross a road at grade. In Finland, a suojatie is typically marked across the roadway with a pattern of white stripes and is supported by traffic signs. In urban areas the crossings may be equipped with curb ramps for accessibility, tactile paving for visually impaired pedestrians, and, at some locations, traffic signals or pedestrian-activated beacons.

Design and placement of suojateiden follow national guidelines that aim to provide safe crossing opportunities at intersections and, less commonly, mid-block locations. Crossings are usually placed where pedestrian traffic is expected to be highest, such as near schools, transit stops, and densely built areas. In many cases, crosswalks have lamps or enhanced lighting to improve visibility at night.

Legal framework and behavior: Finnish traffic regulations grant pedestrians priority on marked crosswalks. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians who are in the crosswalk or who are about to enter it, and drivers turning at an intersection must ensure the crosswalk is clear before proceeding. Pedestrians are expected to cross within the marked lines and to remain vigilant for turning vehicles or conflicting traffic.

Safety and modernization: Authorities continuously improve suojateiden through maintenance, better signaling, and traffic-calming measures in areas with high pedestrian activity. Efforts focus on reducing conflicts between pedestrians and motor vehicles, increasing visibility, and making crossings accessible to people with disabilities.

See also: Road traffic regulations, Pedestrian safety, Finland.