Have you traveled through the Town of Milton this summer? If so, you may have observed something curious and colorful.
An inspired group, led by Councilwoman Randi Meredith, has modified a number of marked crosswalks in town, in hopes they will “pop” better for approaching motorists, while lending a splash of style to the roadway.
The crosswalks project has reportedly been popular with residents and was part of an AARP Grant.
Of course, treatments like this need to be guided by the Delaware Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Any change to markings in state-maintained streets must be coordinated with the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). And Peter Haag, DelDOT’s Chief of Traffic Engineering, specifically points to Part 3B.18 of the MUTCD, which states that, “when patterned pavement or other aesthetic treatments are used to depict crosswalks, 12-inch wide transverse solid white lines should be used to define the crosswalk.”
One caution is to consider any potential impacts for physically disabled pedestrians living in or visiting the area. In particular, if persons with low-vision live in the area, the design should not inadvertently disorient them. The two initiatives need not be in conflict, but there are a handful of examples around the world where some elaborate and confusing paint schemes have had unintended and poor outcomes for pedestrians.
As the multi-modal design goals of Complete Streets policies become an increasing reality, co-habitation between motorist, pedestrian, and bicyclist is evermore essential, both from the vantage point of safety for all road users and the aesthetic pleasure one feels as a pedestrian or bicyclist. Creativity in the fashion of initiatives like this one may lead us to a more inviting and safe environment for all road users. We will just have to wait a bit and see.
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