Footpath width
The appropriate width of footpaths will depend on factors that include urban design and pedestrian comfort objectives, land use interaction, available corridor width, and multi-modal level of service (LOS) analysis.
Overhead clearances
To prevent head injuries to pedestrians, footpaths shall have a vertical (overhead) clearance over their entire width (including the street furniture and frontage zones.
Gradient
The gradient of a through route is the slope parallel to the direction of travel. Movement becomes more difficult as gradient increases.
Crossfall
Crossfall is the slope of the footpath at right angles to the direction of travel. Excessive crossfall in the footpath through zone requires many people to use extra energy to resist the sideways forces.
Vertical drops
Where land next to the footpath’s frontage zone has a significant downwards or a vertical drop of more than 1 metre, consideration of pedestrian safety should be made.
