Specific Paving Treatments

These pavers are the same color as the sidewalk to visually narrow the roadway.

Paving materials are important to the function and look of a street, both in the road and on the sidewalk. Occasionally, paving materials in and of themselves act as a traffic-calming device (e.g., when the street is paved in brick or cobblestone). However, these materials are noisy and unfriendly to bicyclists, pedestrians, wheelchairs, or snowplow blades. In particular, cobblestones should not be used in the expected pedestrian or bicycle path, although they may be used as aesthetic elements in a streetscape design. Smooth travel surfaces are best for all pedestrians.

The pedestrian walkway material should be firm, planar, and slip-resistant. Concrete is the preferred walking surface. A different look can be achieved by using stamped concrete or concrete pavers, which are available in a variety of colors and shapes. They can also be used on the top of raised devices.

It is important to ensure crosswalk visibility. Textured crosswalks must be marked with reflective lines; high visibility markings are best.

Colored paving can often enhance the function of portions of the roadway, such as a colored bicycle lane. This can create the perception of street narrowing, in addition to enhancing the travel facility for bicyclists.

Purpose

  • Send a visual cue about the function of a street
  • Create an aesthetic enhancement of a street
  • Delineate separate space for pedestrians or bicyclists

Considerations

  • Slippery surfaces, such as smooth granite, and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and brick, should not be used in the primary pedestrian or bicycle travel paths. Bumpy surfaces may be especially uncomfortable for wheelchair users and a tripping hazard for all pedestrians.
  • Coordinate choice and placement of materials with maintenance agencies.
  • Design and maintenance must ensure crosswalk visibility over time.
  • Using materials such as bricks and cobblestones may increase the cost of construction and maintenance.

Estimated cost

Varies; materials requiring hand labor (cobblestones or pavers) have a higher cost.