Pedestrian Bridges

Density

Connectivit

y

Walkab

ility

And related cool stuff

Why?

. To replace crosswalks or… to compliment them… or even to compliment and replace sidewalks themselves

In high density areas, pedestrians are so numerous that simple crosswalks and sidewalks oftentimes do not satisfy pedestrian needs: . Convenience . Access to destinations . Connectivity . SafetyAVOIDING street traffic while providing the same utility as sidewalks and crosswalks… or MORE

Hong Kong

Crosswalk vs. BridgeA 4-way intersection with a similarly 4-way pedestrian bridge above. Four-way and 2-way bridges are both common across Asia.

Completely removes any need

for pedestrians and vehicles to mix

Has the added advantage of

allowing pedestrians to

cross diagonally

Accommodates bicycles and people

alike Beijing, China

Sidewalk vs. BridgeElevated walkways replace or compliment sidewalks, especially in high-density areas where commercial activity extends beyond ground-level storefronts.

Effectively doubles street-front sidewalk activity and potential

Can be covered to provide convenient walking access at all

times

Can directly transition to bridges crossing streets – removes need

to interact with vehicles on street level

Taipei, Taiwan

Roadway vs. BridgeA well-placed bridge can cut the length of a street for pedestrians, making lengthy, high-speed arterials less of a walkability obstacle.

Fast, wide streets can remain fast and

wide while pedestrians cross

above

Pedestrians are less likely to do

dangerous things such as jaywalk

because the nearest crossing is too far

With this, high-speed roadways and

pedestrian walkability are not

incompatible

Beijing, China

EvolutionaryA comprehensive elevated walkway system… Hong Kong’s Central Elevated Walkway System.

Spans many city blocks, all elevated

Unified system

Complete with maps, signage, and

markings for connections to

various destinations

Connections between many downtown core destinations:

plazas, banks, ferry docks, subway system, bus system, malls and department stores, government buildings, commercial buildings

Walkability (looks like this)Freedom to walk anywhere, anytime.

Many destinations, many connections

Arguably more convenient than

motor vehicle transport

A very interesting perspective to look at

the city from

Safely separated from car traffic and road

activity, but connected to the city

Hong Kong

Taking it further…

Hong Kong’s Central-Mid-Levels Escalators further the cause of walkability by creating a conduit for pedestrians up and down the mountainous side of Hong Kong’s island geography.

Shops, bars, and restaurants line the route

800+ meters in length135 meters in elevation20 minutes from top to bottomDaily traffic of 55,000+

What about the US?Downtown Minneapolis Skyway system connects 60-some blocks by an elevated bridge system.

But no uniform system – bridges close arbitrarily due to

being owned and run by different entities

Mostly only bridges, not nearly as comprehensive and

connected as Hong Kong

Minneapolis, USA

Something to think aboutWhat could be different?

Major American cities, even of similar densities and populations as large Asian cities that do have extensive pedestrian bridges, lack such pedestrian amenities

Why?

Car culture, lack of inner city destinations, or?

Even places like NYC (pictured) have next to

nothing in terms of bridges and walkway systems, yet

others such as LA have extensive divisions caused by

highways and arterials

The bottom line – even in ‘walkable’ places such as downtown Chicago, or Manhattan, even Times Square… pedestrians are still second to the car.

NYC, USA

ConclusionsGood pedestrian bridges and walkway systems increase walkability immensely

The more integrated, connected, and uniform these bridges are, the more benefit

Walkway systems connecting many destinations arguably allow greater freedom and convenience than vehicles and roadways do in the same city

Streets do not necessarily have to be ‘shared’ between pedestrians, bikers, and drivers – pedestrians can and maybe should have their own walking paths

Roadwaysand pedestrian

walkability can coexist

- No more ‘car-first’ environmentsTokyo, Japan

end.

Lujiazui circular pedestrian bridge in Shanghai, China