One of the challenges we face on urban pathways, and particularly in our work with the Compton Creek Bike Path, is how to get a continuous and extended trail experience when the trail is regularly bisected by major streets with high traffic volumes and speeds.

Trail users need and should be able to get across these streets to continue their journeys. Many cities are able to bridge over or tunnel under these major streets, but in some cases it is not feasible or desirable to invest in grade separation.

Fortunately, there are devices that can be used to improve the safety of these crossings with signs and markings, raised medians and refuge islands, and new beacons and signals. RTC's Western Regional Office has compiled a report of methods that can be used to improve at-grade mid-block crossings of multilane roadways, including examples of the treatments used together and examples of improved and planned crossings in California. You can download the report from our library.