Bikes & Pedestrians

Many bicyclists ride on the road.  It is extremely important that both bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers understand the rules that make for safe use of the road.  Traffic Engineering follows the Stockton Bicycle Master Plan when implementing bicycle facilities.

 

Pedestrian Signals

Pedestrian signals are installed for two main reasons:

  • A high volume of foot traffic at an intersection, and
  • Signals directing motorists don't meet the needs of pedestrians.

For example, some intersections are laid out at odd angles, and traffic signals cannot be seen by pedestrians.  In other cases, turning and merging lanes make intersections so complex that special provisions must be made for pedestrians.

 

If existing traffic signals meet the needs of pedestrians - the signals are easy to see and provide plenty of time to cross safely - there is no need for pedestrian signals.  However, it is generally the policy of the City to install pedestrian signals at all traffic signals where pedestrians are permitted to cross the street.

 

Pedestrian Safety

  • Look both ways before crossing
  • Watch for turning vehicles
  • Watch for cars that don't stop
  • Look before stepping past stopped vehicles
  • Be alert and keep watching for cars as you cross
  • Cross the street as quickly and as safely possible
  • Cross intersections defensively, motorists may not see you

 

Crosswalks

Under the California Vehicle Code, crosswalks exist at all public intersections where there is a sidewalk on at least one side of the street or where any portion of a roadway is designated for pedestrian crossing by painted lines or other markings.

 

A marked crosswalk is any crosswalk which is delineated by white or yellow painted markings placed on the pavement.  All other crosswalk locations are "unmarked."

 

Marked Crosswalks

Marked crosswalks help pedestrians find their way across complex intersections, designate the shortest path, and direct pedestrians to locations of best sight distance.

 

At controlled intersections, which are intersections with traffic signals or stop signs, the City's current policy is to install marked crosswalks where there is a demonstrated need.  Marked crosswalks may be considered at intersections where there is substantial conflict between vehicle and pedestrian movements, where significant pedestrian concentrations occur, and where pedestrians could not otherwise recognize the proper place to cross.

 

Crosswalk Safety

Studies have found that a high rate of crashes involving pedestrians occurred at uncontrolled locations with marked crosswalks than at unmarked crosswalks. The most recent research conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 2002 found that on two-lane roads, the pedestrian crash rate was the same for marked and unmarked crosswalks.  On multi-lane roads with higher traffic volumes, marked crosswalks had a higher pedestrian crash rate than unmarked crosswalks.  Pedestrians tend to have a false sense of security at marked crosswalks and cross with less caution compared to unmarked crosswalks.

 

School Crosswalks

When a marked crosswalk has been established adjacent to a school building or school grounds, it is painted yellow.  Other established marked crosswalks may be painted yellow if the nearest point of the crosswalk is not more than 600 feet from a school building or grounds.  Marked crosswalks may be installed at an uncontrolled location adjacent to a school if the school commits to providing an adult crossing guard at the crosswalk.

 

External Links


 California Vehicle Code

This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 5/27/2021