A marked crosswalk is any crosswalk that is delineated by white or yellow paint markings placed on the pavement. Unmarked crosswalks at intersections are defined by extension of the curb and property lines of the intersecting streets.
The law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians at any crosswalk (marked or unmarked). To ensure that marked crosswalks are installed only at locations where a safety benefit is likely, a set of guidelines has been developed by the Transportation Division for the installation of marked crosswalks at uncontrolled intersections and midblock locations. The guidelines consider traffic and pedestrian volumes, vehicle speeds, sight distance, lane configurations and other factors that affect the safety of pedestrians within a crosswalk.
Crosswalk markings should not be used indiscriminately since they could provide false sense of security. Markings are, however, useful to channelize pedestrians into the preferred path at intersections when the intended course is not readily apparent or when it would minimize pedestrian-auto conflict.
The City Council has adopted guidelines for the installation of crosswalks at mid-block locations and at uncontrolled intersections.
