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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering


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Chicanes



   
Islands are used to narrow the roadway within a chicane where there is two-way flow through the chicane. The islands prevent the tendency of drivers to minimize the deflection by encroaching into the opposite lane.
objective To control traffic speeds in residential areas near pedestrian crossings.
applications This treatment can be used in residential areas where horizontal deflection is preferred over vertical deflection to minimize effects on emergency response vehicles.
target population Motorists
crash type Pedestrian R/W Violation-Mid-Block, Excessive Speeds, Pedestrian R/W Violation, Mid-block
advantages
  • Reduced traffic speeds on approaches to pedestrian crossings
disadvantages
  • Cost of installation
  • Drivers tend to run into the center islands unless the approaches are clearly delineated, especially in nighttime conditions
pointers Use high-visibility signage and pavement legends at least 50 feet in advance of the chicane.
cost High, $15,000-$35,000, depending on the complexity of the chicane and the materials used to construct the raised islands.
responsibility Public Works
further reading

Traffic Islands for Speed Control. Traffic Advisory Leaflet 7/95. London, UK: Traffic Advisory Unit, Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, 1995.
examples City of San Francisco, CA
related tools Pedestrian Refuge Islands, Curb Extensions

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