STEP:

IMPROVING 

VISIBILITY AT TRAIL 

CROSSINGS

STEP:

IMPROVING 

VISIBILITY AT TRAIL 

CROSSINGS

Source: FHWA
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

ii

NOTICE

This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation in 

the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for the use of the 

information contained in this document.

The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturers’ 

names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the objective of the 

document.

NON-BINDING CONTENTS 

Except for the statutes and regulations cited, the contents of this document do not have the force 

and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only 

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agency policies.

QUALITY ASSURANCE STATEMENT

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides high-quality information to serve 

Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards 

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STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

iii

Technical Report Documentation Page

1. REPORT NO.

FHWA-SA-21-123

2. GOVERNMENT ACCESSION 

NO. 

3. RECIPIENT'S CATALOG 

NO. 

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

5. REPORT DATE 

2021

6. PERFORMING 

ORGANIZATION CODE

7. AUTHOR(S)

Lauren Blackburn, Cassi Patterson, Annette Gross

8. PERFORMING 

ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME & ADDRESS 10. WORK UNIT NO.

11. CONTRACT OR GRANT 

NO.

DTFH6116D00040

VHB 

940 Main Campus Dr Ste 500

Raleigh, NC 27606

12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS 

Federal Highway Administration Office of Safety

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

13. TYPE OF REPORT AND 

PERIOD 

14. SPONSORING AGENCY 

CODE 

FHWA

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

The Task Order Contracting Officer's Representative (TOCOR) for this task was Rebecca Crowe.

16. ABSTRACT

The focus of this resource is on improving the driver’s visibility of trail users at roadway crossings. The 

document presents a systemic approach to reviewing existing crossings or planning for improved at-grade 

trail crossings with engineering countermeasures, such as enhanced signs and traffic controls. 

This resource discusses ways to make crossings more visible to drivers. The document describes safety 

issues and countermeasures for several most frequent types of trail crossings and introduces a process for 

reviewing trail crossing locations for issues and opportunities to reduce the chances of fatal or severe injury 

crashes. 

17. KEY WORDS

pedestrian, bicyclist, trail, roadway, crossing, countermeasure

18. DISTRIBUTION 

STATEMENT

No restrictions.

19. SECURITY CLASSIF. (OF 

THIS REPORT) Unclassified

20. SECURITY CLASSIF. (OF 

THIS PAGE) Unclassified

21. NO. OF 

PAGES 21

22. 

PRICE

Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed page authorized.
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

iv

Table of Contents

Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Steps for Improving Visibility of Trail Users at Roadway Crossings.............................................................................. 2

1. Identify and Coordinate with Stakeholders .......................................................................................................2

2. Understand the Context and Trail Users ........................................................................................................... 2

3. Collect Data and Create an Inventory of Current Trail Crossing Conditions.................................................... 3

4. Prioritize Locations Based on Risk and Select Countermeasures ....................................................................... 4

Types of Trail Crossings...............................................................................................................................................6

Mid-block Trail Crossings ...........................................................................................................................................7

Adjacent Trail Crossings ..............................................................................................................................................9

Complex Intersection Trail Crossings ........................................................................................................................11

Trailhead Access Crossings ........................................................................................................................................13

References .................................................................................................................................................................15

Source: FHWA
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

v

List of Figures

Figure 1: Signalized trail crossing with refuge ...............................................................................................................1

Figure 2: Children using scooters on a shared use path. ................................................................................................2

Figure 3. Family bicycling on a trail. .............................................................................................................................6

Figure 4: Mid-block trail crossing with PHB. ...............................................................................................................7

Figure 5: Mid-block trail crossing with RRFB. .............................................................................................................7

Figure 6: A before and after illustration of a mid-block trail crossing. ...........................................................................8

Figure 7: Adjacent trail crossing. ...................................................................................................................................9

Figure 8: Adjacent trail crossing. ...................................................................................................................................9

Figure 9: A before and after illustration of a adjacent trail crossing .............................................................................10

Figure 10: Trail crossing at a complex intersection with a wide refuge. ........................................................................11

Figure 11: Trail crossing at complex intersection. ........................................................................................................11

Figure 12: A before and after illustration of a complex intersection trail crossing. .......................................................12

Figure 13: Trailhead access crossing. ...........................................................................................................................13

Figure 14: Trailhead access crossing with PHB............................................................................................................13

Figure 15: A before and after illustration of a trailhead access crossing. .......................................................................14

List of Tables

Table 1: Data Collection for Trail Crossing Inventory. ..................................................................................................3

Table 2: Trail Crossing Countermeasures. .....................................................................................................................4

Acronyms

AADT annual average daily traffic

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act

DOT Department of Transportation

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

PHB Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

RRFB Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon

STEP Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

1

Introduction

STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings is 

a resource for planning or improving at-grade 

trail crossings and trail access crossings. Trails, 

for the purposes of this summary document, 

include paved or well-defined unpaved shared 

use paths for pedestrians of all ages and abilities, 

and for multiple users such as bicyclists or 

equestrians. Informal worn paths or trails 

that do not include access for wheelchair users 

or blind pedestrians at the roadway crossing 

approach are not addressed by this guide. 

Trails attract a wide range of users, including users of 

all ages and physical abilities such as young children, 

fast-paced bicyclists, and horse riders. The focus of this 

resource is on improving the driver’s visibility of trail 

users at roadway crossings. The document presents a 

systemic approach to reviewing existing crossings or 

planning for improved at-grade trail crossings with 

engineering countermeasures, such as enhanced signs 

and traffic controls. A systemic approach uses data and 

local conditions to describe risk for crashes and can be 

applied before crashes occur. The systemic approach 

also provides a consistent approach to installing crossing 

countermeasures. Consistency increases the user 

experience and predictability. 

This document does not describe the issues associated 

with or treatments for improving how the trail user 

approaches roadway crossings. These types of treatments 

- such as markings, signs, or bollards – are discussed in 

other guidance documents including AASHTO Guide 

to the Development of Bicycle Facilities (2012) (and 

subsequent guide under development), the Manual on 

Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and FHWA 

Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks (2016). 

Additional information on equestrian trail crossings is 

available in the Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, 

Trailheads, and Campgrounds, chapter 5. This document 

does not provide guidance on how to design a trail to 

meet accessibility standards or guidelines.

This resource should help practitioners make crossings 

more visible to drivers. The document describes safety 

issues and countermeasures for several most frequent 

types of trail crossings and introduces a process 

for reviewing trail crossing locations for issues and 

opportunities to reduce the chances of fatal or severe 

injury crashes. For guidance on shared use path or trail 

design, consult resources such as the AASHTO Guide 

to the Development of Bicycle Facilities, the Manual 

on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), State 

Department of Transportation (DOT) specific guidance, 

or Federal or State resource agency.

Figure 1: Signalized trail crossing with refuge. Source: FHWA
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

2

Steps for Improving Visibility of Trail Users 

at Roadway Crossings

The following steps can help the designer or planner 

collaborate with stakeholders, document current physical 

conditions, understand typical trail user characteristics, 

and describe the existing risk for crashes which could 

result in a fatality or a serious injury. Stakeholder 

coordination is needed throughout the project planning 

and design process.

1. Identify and Coordinate 

with Stakeholders 

Designated trail crossings are marked, signed, and 

controlled by the agency who owns the roadway. Trail 

owners, such as a parks and recreation department or 

natural resource agency, determine trail approaches to 

roadway crossings. Local residents and stakeholders 

inform the needs of trail users. Each of these groups 

help inform trail crossing improvements. Trail crossing 

improvement projects require early and regular 

stakeholder engagement. Key stakeholders typically 

include, but are not limited to, the following agencies and 

groups: 

 Land management or recreation agencies

 Individual members of the public

 Community groups

 Land developers 

 Elected and appointed local officials

 Transportation agency representatives

2. Understand the Context 

and Trail Users

When reviewing trail crossings, consider the surrounding 

context and the types of people using the trail system. 

The types of land development (i.e. urban or rural setting) 

and ownership of the trail system may inform options for 

adding lighting or managing vegetation at trail crossings. 

For example, agencies owning trails in national or local 

parks may prefer to restrict overhead lighting. The types 

of nearby land uses (i.e. retail, housing, schools, parks) 

identify potential destinations for trail users. Nearby 

land uses and information about local demographics can 

also help identify likely types of trail users, such as older 

pedestrians or young bicyclists. 

Trail users represent a range of ages, abilities, and modes 

of transportation. Driver speeds and trail user behaviors 

can impact the safety performance at trail crossings. For 

example, horses and horse riders can be easily startled by 

speeding bicyclists or inattentive drivers. Age of trail users 

inform pedestrian characteristics, such as walking speed, 

and bicyclists’ experience with judging gaps and speed of 

traffic. 

Figure 2: Children using scooters on a shared use path. 

Source: FHWA 
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

3

3. Collect Data and Create 

an Inventory of Current Trail 

Crossing Conditions

A comprehensive data collection process and an inventory 

of current trail crossing conditions can help set priorities for 

crossing improvements. Practitioners should conduct site 

visits to collect additional data not available from digital 

sources, such as volume counts and field observations. Table 

1 describes three categories of information to collect for trail 

crossing locations: crossing visibility, roadway and traffic 

characteristics, and trail context: 

Table 1: Data Collection for Trail Crossing Inventory.

Type Information to Record

Crossing Visibility

Vegetation near trail approach

Warning signage and roadway markings in advance of trail crossing

Stopping sight distance approaching trail crossing

Overhead lighting in advance of and at trail crossing 

Crosswalk markings 

Roadway and 

Traffic Characteristics

Motorist speed (posted and observed)

AADT

Crossing distance 

Number of travel lanes

Vehicle turning movements

Traffic controls or signal phasing at crossing

Type of trail approach (surface, design, accessibility features)

Existing bike infrastructure or parking on roadway

Geometric features, such as raised islands or curb extensions, approaching trail crossing

Trail Context

Gradient of trail approach to roadway

Trail destinations and land uses near crossing

Parking near trailhead

This inventory information can be 

combined into maps, updated per planned 

improvements, compared with local 

population data, and compared with 

pedestrian and bicycle crash history. 

Observations about drivers and trail users 

should also be added to the inventory, 

such as compliance with traffic controls 

or sudden stops.
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

4

4. Prioritize Locations 

Based on Risk and Select 

Countermeasures

Once the data has been collected and the trail crossing 

inventory is complete, practitioners can categorize risk 

for crashes and prioritize locations for developing safety 

improvements. Risk for severe injury or fatal crashes with 

pedestrians and bicyclists at trail crossings can increase 

with higher vehicle speeds, traffic volumes, and trail user 

activity. Countermeasures are selected based on risk and 

roadway characteristics. Constrained environments, such 

as minimum pavement width or physical features may 

limit options for crossing improvements, after considering 

options such as narrowing travel lanes or removing trees. 

Table 2, referenced from the Michigan DOT Sidepath 

Intersection & Crossing Treatment Guide, is a summary 

of countermeasures considered for most types of trail 

crossings. The countermeasures are selected per roadway 

characteristics but may also correspond to other goals 

for the crossings identified in the inventory and site 

review. Goals for improving trail crossings may include 

improving traffic control, reducing speeds, and increasing 

trail user visibility.

Table 2: Trail Crossing Countermeasures. 

Countermeasure or 

Crossing Treatment

Goals

Improved 

Traffic Control

Speed 

Reduction

Trail User 

Visibility

Motorist Stop/Yield signs and markings x x

Trail Crossing Warning signs x

High-visibility crosswalk markings x x

Raised crosswalk x x

Pedestrian Refuge Island x x

RRFB or PHB x x

Pedestrian countdown signal head x

LPI x x

Overhead lighting x

Curb extensions and tighter curb radii x x

Increase setback distance between adjacent trail 

crossing and roadway x x

Realign trail approach to roadway x x

Parking restrictions x

Trim vegetation x
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

5

Table 2 is informed by several key resources for selecting 

countermeasures for trail crossings. Trail crossings are 

primarily pedestrian crossings, so resources such as 

the FHWA Guide for Improving Pedestrian Safety at 

Uncontrolled Crossing Locations are key references. The 

guide includes two tables that assist with potential 

countermeasure selection. Table 1 leverages current 

research to identify applicable countermeasures based 

on tiers of roadway configurations, speeds, and AADTs. 

The guide also includes Table 2, cross-referencing general 

safety issues to potential countermeasures, based on 

surrounding land development context, pedestrian travel 

patterns, and driver behaviors. 

NCHRP Report 926: Guidance to Improve Pedestrian and 

Bicyclist Safety at Intersections discusses considerations 

for general types of intersection projects; data types and 

analysis methods; and criteria to selecting and refining 

potential countermeasures. The report includes a 

descriptive list of countermeasures for improving yielding 

and separation by intersection type, crash type, context, 

priority user and design trade-offs.

The FHWA Bicycle Safety Guide and Countermeasure 

Selection System (BIKESAFE) and the FHWA 

Pedestrian Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection 

System (PEDSAFE) are online and interactive tools for 

selecting bicycle and pedestrian safety countermeasures. 

BIKESAFE addresses intersection features or 

countermeasures such as bicycle signal heads and on-road 

bicycle facilities. PEDSAFE addresses intersection features 

or countermeasures such as RRFBs, PHBs, countdown 

timers at pedestrian signals, and curb design. 

Proven Safety Countermeasures for 

Trail Crossings 

Rectangular Rapid 

Flashing Beacons (RRFB)

RRFBs are pedestrian-actuated conspicuity 

enhancements used in combination with a 

pedestrian, school, or trail crossing warning 

sign to improve safety at uncontrolled, 

marked crosswalks. The device includes two 

rectangular-shaped yellow indications, each 

with an LED-array-based light source, that 

flash with high frequency when activated. 

RRFBs are often activated by pushbuttons, 

however some RRFBs are equipped with 

motion sensors, which activate the RRFB and 

indicate a pedestrian is at the crosswalk. 

Crosswalk Visibility Enhancements

Enhanced crosswalk lighting, signage, and 

markings can help drivers see pedestrians 

and help pedestrians decide where to cross. 

Features of this countermeasure include high 

visibility markings, parking restrictions around 

crosswalks, advance “stop” or “yield” markings, 

signs and curb extensions.

Raised crosswalks

Raised crosswalks are ramped speed tables 

spanning the entire width of the roadway, often 

placed at mid-block crossing locations.

Lighting

Overhead lighting is placed in advance of 

marked crosswalks, on both sides of the street, 

to illuminate the front of the pedestrian and 

the crosswalk. Design lighting to reduce “dark 

spots” between lit areas and shadows on the 

pedestrian. 

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons

A traffic control device with a face that 

consists of two red lenses above a single 

yellow lens. Unlike a traffic signal, the PHB 

rests in dark until a pedestrian activates it via 

pushbutton or other form of detection.

Pedestrian Refuge Islands

A median with a refuge area that is intended 

to help protect pedestrians who are crossing 

the road. This countermeasure is sometimes 

referred to as a crossing island or pedestrian 

island.

Leading Pedestrian Intervals

Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) are 

adjustments to signal timing to increase 

pedestrian safety at signalized intersections. 

An LPI gives pedestrians a typical 3- to 

7-second head start before vehicles in the 

parallel direction are given the green signal 

indication. 

Parking restriction

Parking restriction can include the removal of 

parking space markings, installation of new 

“parking prohibition” pavement markings or 

curb paint, and signs.
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

6

Types of Trail Crossings 

Several features are common to all types of trail crossings: 

 Trails attract people of all ages and abilities, including 

families and young pedestrians or bicyclists who may 

not have experience finding adequate gaps in traffic or 

may need additional time to cross roadways. 

 Bicyclists approach roadway crossings at higher speeds 

than pedestrians, reducing decision sight distance to 

adequately judge the amount of time needed to clear 

the roadway from a “stop-go” decision point. 

 Trail users travel in both directions, crossing the 

roadway with or against traffic flow. Trail users may 

not be able to see vehicles approaching from behind. 

 Trails are often built in natural areas or pass through 

rural settings. Drivers may not expect or see trail users 

crossing in darker conditions unless overhead lighting 

is installed. 

 People use trails for all purposes, such as for 

transportation or recreation, and can cross roads at all 

times of day or during all seasons. Drivers may not 

always expect to see trail users at roadway crossings.

However, as described earlier, trail crossings vary based 

on the configuration and type of the roadway and trail, 

environment and context, and the trail user needs. 

Additionally, infrastructure improvements should be 

considered based on the purpose and placement of the 

trail crossings. Trail crossings typically fall into one of 

four types: mid-block trail crossings, adjacent or parallel 

trail crossings, complex intersection crossings, and 

trailhead access crossing.

Mid-block trail crossings are crossings that occur 

outside of an intersection, regardless of distance from the 

closest intersection. When trails cross roads away from a 

controlled intersection, motorist speeds tend to increase, 

which can increase stopping sight distance. Adjacent trail 

crossings occur where the trail or sidepath runs parallel 

and close to a roadway, crossing another roadway (or 

driveway). Adjacent crossings have more conflict points 

with vehicles and trail users, than a mid-block crossing, 

because right and left turning movements as well as 

through traffic movements can all take place over the 

crossing. Complex intersection trail crossings include 

trail crossings that occur at signalized, skewed, or multilane uncontrolled intersections. These types of crossings 

often involve multistage phases for bicycle or pedestrian 

travel, indirect routes, or multilane crossings. A trailhead 

access crossing occurs where a trailhead or trail access 

point is across a roadway from a destination, such as a 

parking lot, school, store, transit stop, etc. These crossings 

can coincide with other types of crossings but may need 

additional infrastructure to enhance visibility. The 

following figures provide examples of each trail crossing 

type, common challenges to trail crossing safety, and 

countermeasures that may be considered for each type.

Figure 3. Family bicycling on a trail. Source: FHWA.
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

7

Mid-block Trail Crossings 

Figure 4: Mid-block trail crossing with PHB. 

Source: FHWA

Mid-block trail crossings are where a trail crosses a roadway 

away from an intersection. Perpendicular crossings are 

preferred over skewed mid-block crossings because they 

typically offer more sight distance for both the road and trail 

user of the upcoming crossing. When retrofitting a skewed 

mid-block crossing, curving the trail on either side of the 

crossing can achieve the desired perpendicular crossing.

Sight distance is a concern for many mid-block trail 

crossings. Stopping sight distance to mid-block trail crossings 

is limited as approaching driver speeds increase. Bicyclist 

decision sight distance is also restricted by faster cyclist travel 

speeds. Visual obstructions, such as trees and buildings,may 

limit the view of both the driver and trail users as they 

approach mid-block trail crossings. Pedestrians and bicyclists 

crossing roads carrying high volumes of traffic or with 

multiple travel lanes look for gaps in traffic to cross in one 

stage. Bicyclists carrying a trailer need more refuge space if 

crossing the roadway in multiple stages. Figure 5: Mid-block trail crossing with RRFB. 

Source: VHB
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

8

Figure 6: A before and after illustration of a mid-block trail 

crossing. Source: FHWA

Mid-block Trail Crossings Issues 

Higher traffic speeds  affect driver stopping sight distance when approaching mid-block trail crossings, and higher

traffic volumes reduce the number of gaps that trail users have to cross the road in one stage  . Curved roadways and

skewed trail approaches  limit visibility and sight distance of trail crossings, and vegetation or buildings near the crossing

restrict driver and trail user view of the crossing  . Wider or multilane roadways create longer crossing distances  

These conditions are improved by removing visual obstructions such as tall vegetation and installing advance warning signs 

ahead of the trail crossing. Countermeasures such as refuge islands provide for a multistage crossing and may help reduce 

approaching speeds, and RRFBs improve driver visibility of the trail crossing. 
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

9

Adjacent (Parallel) Trail Crossings

Figure 7: Adjacent trail crossing. 

Source: FHWA

Adjacent trail crossings occur where a trail parallels a 

roadway and crosses another roadway (or driveway) near the 

intersection. Designing for enhanced sight distance is critical 

for increasing safety at adjacent trail crossings. The distance 

of the crossing from the intersection can impact sight 

distance, travel speeds of the approaching motor vehicles, 

and/or impact the necessary space for queuing between the 

crossing and the intersection.

Pedestrians and bicyclists traveling on sidepaths or adjacent 

trails travel in both directions and may not see traffic turning 

onto the side street from behind. Visual obstructions such 

as vegetation or buildings may also restrict view of drivers 

turning right or left turning from the parallel roadway across 

the trail. Trail user speeds on the approach to the roadway 

may reduce their ability to come to a stop at the crossing. 

Figure 8: Adjacent trail crossing. 

Source: FHWA
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

10

Figure 9: A before and after illustration of a adjacent trail 

crossing. Source: FHWA

Adjacent (Parallel) Trail Crossings Issues 

Trails adjacent or parallel to a roadway cross side streets, and vehicles may conflict with trail users when turning onto 

the side street from the parallel roadway  . When the trail crossing is placed where drivers queue to turn from a side

street, vehicles may encroach onto the crossing  or fail to yield to trail users in the crossing. Parked cars, street trees or

other visual obstructions on the side street may reduce visibility of the crossing   . Crossings set further back from th

parallel roadway increase driver sight distance of the trail crossing, and raising the crosswalk increases driver yielding while 

decreasing approach speeds. Restricting on street parking and removing vegetation increases visibility of the trail crossing 

for both drivers and trail users. Signs, markings, and devices such a narrowed trail or small island may be considered on the 

trail approach to the crossing to increase trail user compliance at the intersection. 
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

11

Complex Intersection Trail Crossings 

Figure 10: Trail crossing at a complex intersection with a wide refuge. 

Source: FHWA

Complex intersection trail crossings include intersections that 

have a nonstandard geometry, such as a “T” intersection or 

skewed approaches. Complex intersections can also include 

intersections with multiple through lanes and turn lanes, 

alternative designs such as Reduced Left-Turn Conflict 

intersections, permitted U-turns, or complex signal operations 

such as split phasing or flashing turn arrows. 

Turning movement conflicts with trail crossings are the key 

concern at complex intersections. Long crossing distances or 

indirect routes across the intersection can increase crash risk for 

trail users at large or complex intersections. Passive detection 

and placement of push buttons to call the WALK phase for a 

wide range of trail users, including pedestrians with vision and 

hearing impairments and bicyclists, could be considered.

Figure 11: Trail crossing at complex intersection. 

Source: FHWA
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

12

Figure 12: A before and after illustration of a complex 

intersection trail crossing. Source: FHWA

Complex Intersection Trail Crossings Issues 

Trails often cross intersections across two approaches, increasing trail user crossing activity on legs of the 

intersection  . This increases exposure with specific turning movements at the intersection, such as left turns across

one leg of the intersection trail crossing  . Wide intersections with multiple through lanes and turn lanes create long

crossing distances for trail users  . Buildings and vegetation may limit sight distance and visibility of trails approaching

intersections  . Shorten overall crossing distance at complex intersections by including wide curb extensions, or

install wide refuge islands for intersections with multiple through and turn lanes. Signal phasing and timing should 

accommodate a moderate walking speed and WALK phase for trail users of all ages and abilities and include features 

such as Leading Pedestrian Interval or right turn restrictions at trail crossings. Increase overall visibility of the trail 

crossings with wide, high-visibility crosswalk markings and cleared vegetation. 

 
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

13

Trailhead Access Crossings 

Figure 13: Trailhead access crossing. 

Source: FHWA

A trailhead access crossing occurs where a trailhead or

trail access point is across a roadway from a destination,

such as a parking lot, school, store, nearby neighborhoods, 

transit stop, etc. These crossings can coincide with the other 

type of crossings but may need additional infrastructure. 

The type of destination across the road from the trail, who is 

using the trail and crossing, and the roadway characteristics 

should be considered. Trail crossings near a school should 

accommodate young children, who may tend to be smaller 

in stature and have less predictable behaviors at crossings. 

Parking lots at trailheads or other access points to the trail 

allow people to park and unload a bike or a horse. Turning 

vehicles entering and exiting the parking lot may conflict with 

trail crossings. Driveways, bus stops, and on-street parking 

restrict visibility of trail crossings placed nearby. 

Figure 14: Trailhead access crossing with PHB. 

Source: FHWA
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

14

Figure 15: A before and after illustration of a trailhead access crossing. 

Source: FHWA

Trailhead Access Crossings Issues 

Trail access routes must be designed for trail users of all ages and abilities, regardless of gradient from the roadway to the 

trail  . Multilane roads  create long crossing distances, and roadways carrying high volumes or speeds of traffic provid

few gaps for people to cross to access trails  . Vegetation, buildings, and signage may restrict driver sight distance of trail

crossings  . Consider relocating trail access crossings, where visibility is poor, to controlled crossings or locations with

improved sight distance. For uncontrolled crossings connecting to parking lots and popular destinations for trail 

users  , consider Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs), pedestrian signals, or crosswalk visibility enhancements. Install

advance warning signs in advance of trail crossings in rural areas or other contexts where crossings are not expected. 

 
STEP: Improving Visibility at Trail Crossings

15

References 

The following resources informed the guidance shared in this document. 

AASHTO Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities. American Association of State 

Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, DC.

AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. American Association of State Highway and Transportation 

Officials, Washington, DC.

FHWA Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads and Campgrounds. (2009). https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/

environment/recreational_trails/publications/fs_publications/07232816/page09.cfm.

FHWA Guide for Improving Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locations (2018). 

https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/step/docs/STEP_Guide_for_Improving_Ped_Safety_at_Unsig_Loc_3-

2018_07_17-508compliant.pdf.

FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). (2009)

FHWA Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks. (2016). https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_

pedestrian/publications/small_towns/fhwahep17024_lg.pdf. 

Michigan Department of Transportation (2018). Sidepath Intersection & Crossing Treatment Guide. https://www.

michigan.gov/documents/mdot/2018-06-28_Sidepath_Intersection_and_Crossing_Treatment_Guide_FINAL_with_

Appendices_635121_7.pdf. 

Minnesota Department of Transportation (2013). Best Practices and Guidance in At-Grade Trail-Crossing Treatments. 

https://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/TS/2013/201323.pdf.

National Park Service (2018). Outdoor Lighting in National Parks. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nightskies/upload/

NPS-Lighting-booklet-05302018_508-Compliant_Size-2.pdf. 

NCHRP Research Report 926. Guidance to Improve Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety at Intersections. (2020). National 

Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Washington, D.C.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Designing for User Type. https://www.railstotrails.org/build-trails/trail-building-toolbox/

design/designing-for-user-type/. 

USDOT (1999). Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access, Part I of II: Review of Existing Guidelines and Practices.
 FHWA-SA-21-123 Source: FHWA