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Crosswalks As defined in the Right-of-Way Improvement Manual (ROWIM), “crosswalk” means “a portion of a roadway where pedestrians are permitted to cross the street; can be marked or unmarked. In Washington State, legal crosswalks exist at every intersection, unless otherwise signed, regardless of whether they are marked or unmarked.” In Section 11.14.135 of the Seattle Municipal Code, “crosswalk” means the “portion of the roadway between the intersection area and the prolongation or connection of the farthest sidewalk line, or, in the event there are no constructed sidewalks, then between the intersection area and a line ten feet (10’) there from, except as modified by a marked crosswalk.” In addition, Section 11.14.315 of the Seattle Municipal Code defines “marked crosswalk” as any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface thereof. (RCW 46.04.290) Crosswalks are a key building block of a walkable network. Identifying and installing safe crossings help both vehicles and pedestrians avoid conflict; however it is also important to note that not all marked crosswalks improve the public’s health and safety. Factors such as traffic volume, number of travel lanes, signalization, and sightlines all play a significant factor in determining whether a crosswalk will benefit the pedestrian environment in a particular location. Raised crosswalks, which are at the same level as the adjacent sidewalk and which cause vehicles to ride over them, are an effective technique for achieving traffic-calming objectives. Raised crosswalks may also be part of an entire raised intersection.
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