
Pedestrian Refuge Islands
Pedestrian refuge islands are raised or marked areas placed in the middle of a roadway at pedestrian crosswalks. They provide a safe stopping point for people crossing busy streets, allowing pedestrians to cross in two stages rather than all at once. This design improves safety by reducing the distance pedestrians need to walk in the street and giving them a protected space while waiting to continue across. Refuge islands are especially helpful on wide or high-traffic roads, making crossings safer and more manageable for pedestrians of all ages.