Daylighting

Daylighting refers to the marking or otherwise blocking off of space ahead of a crosswalk or intersection to increase visibility between people walking and driving and to shorten crossing distances. Daylighting simply formalizes where parking is already prohibited adjacent to crossing locations and can be installed at both intersection and midblock locations.

A photograph of a crosswalk adjacent to daylighting. The daylighting is delineated by flex posts and also features a small mural and a planter. 
 The space immediately adjacent to the crosswalk in the roadway is marked off with flexible posts as part of a daylighting design.
Tampa, FL (Kittelson & Associates, Inc.)  Boston, MA (Kittelson & Associates, Inc.) 

 

Program Goals This Project Type Meets

  • Increase safety (pedestrian)
  • Invite public use

Typical Applications

  • Intersections with high pedestrian activity and low visibility and sight distance
  • Intersection design should facilitate eye contact between street users 

Material Options

Design Considerations

  • Fixed objects, such as trees, signs, and street furniture, deemed to inhibit the visibility of a given intersection and create safety concerns, should not be removed without the prior consideration of alternative safety¬ mitigation measures, including a reduction in traffic speeds, an increase in visibility through curb extensions or geometric design, or the addition of supplementary warning signs.
    • Usually, objects less than 24” tall do not inhibit visibility within 20’ of an intersection
  • Daylight intersections by removing parking within 20-25 feet of the intersection, or about one parking spot.
  • Bicycle parking, curb extensions, or bioswales can be integrated into daylighting areas.

Other Considerations

  • Opportunity to include artistic elements and/or coordinate with a larger intersection mural project
  • ADA accessibility of the sidewalks, curb ramps, and extension itself, particularly for pedestrians with visual impairments

Other Resources