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3 CROSSING GUIDANCE This section provides an evaluation process and guidance for when to consider enhancing a crossing at uncontrolled intersections and mid-block crossing locations. Enhanced crossing infrastructure is a key method of improving the safety and comfort of people walking, rolling, and bicycling (herein referred to as “multimodal users”) traveling throughout the transportation network, with research on the safety effects of appropriately enhanced crosswalks expanding in recent years. An uncontrolled crossing refers to a location where no traffic control (i.e., yield or stop sign, traffic signal) exists at the point in which people walking, rolling, or bicycling may cross. Uncontrolled crossings require additional review during planning and design because drivers are not consistently required to stop. Instead, a driver must recognize the presence of a person crossing and stop accordingly as required by Minnesota state law. This lack of consistency can create safety challenges acutely connected to these crossing locations. The FHWA states, “By focusing on uncontrolled crossing locations, local and state agencies can address a significant national safety problem and improve quality of life for pedestrians of all ages and abilities.”1 Uncontrolled crossing locations can be barriers for any multimodal user, notably children, older, and disabled populations, and require special attention to create a safe environment. Higher speed and traffic volume environments with multiple lanes are especially challenging and are locations where simply marking a crosswalk is insufficient. The objective of this section is to document a process for evaluation and design of crossing locations and ensure that anyone who wishes to be informed may understand how, where, and why crossing enhancements are recommended at certain locations based upon a variety of factors and contexts. INTRODUCTION The safety of multimodal users requires a holistic approach that focuses on engineering (implementing infrastructure improvements), education (for all roadway users), evaluation (continually collecting key data metrics to better inform decision-making), and encouragement (of following state laws). Engineering is the first step of this process to ensure the roadway and associated crossing design can effectively accommodate all users as safely and effectively as possible. It is important to focus upon the most vulnerable users of the transportation network throughout the process. Crashes are unacceptable and preventable, and though humans will make mistakes, Safe System of roadway design must always be considered to ensure a person’s mistake does not lead to serious injury or death. 1 Federal Highway Administration. (2018). Guide for Improving Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locations, page ii.