NYC DOT - Enhanced Crossings

Enhanced Crossings give pedestrians a safe place to cross the street when there is no traffic signal or stop sign. They are found in low traffic areas near schools, parks and libraries. NYC DOT generally only marks crosswalks that meet U.S. federal guidelines for traffic controls determined by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Enhanced Crossings are a standard treatment that meet the community need for marked crossings when traffic controls are not appropriate.

See Where Enhanced Crossings are Installed on the Vision Zero Viewer

Audio described version available here: https://youtu.be/qBkYCyme2II

New York City Rule

Motorists and cyclists must STOP when a pedestrian is in any portion of the roadway, even when they are crossing in an uncontrolled crosswalk that is marked or unmarked. This means vehicles and bicycles must STOP for pedestrians in an Enhanced Crossing.

Enhanced Crossings are only installed at locations that meet specific criteria:

Low vehicle traffic

Calm streets

Very long distances between marked crosswalks with stop signs or signals

Near parks, schools, cultural centers or transit connections

*Criteria based on MUTCD Standards, results from FHWA Publication Number HRT-04-100 "Safety Effects of Marked Versus Unmarked Crosswalks at Uncontrolled Locations," and the 2016 NYCDOT Enhanced Crossing Study

All Enhanced Crossings receive a standard treatment:

High Visibility Crosswalk Markings

ADA Compliant Pedestrian Ramps

Pedestrian Warning Signage

Daylighting on all Approaches to Enhanced Crossings

Where ever possible, additional traffic calming is included as part of the enhanced crossing treatment.
Some traffic calming examples are:

Speed Bumps

Pedestrian Refuge Islands

Neckdowns

Benefits of Enhanced Crossings

Delineates preferred pedestrian paths

Shortens distances between crossings

Makes crossing pedestrians more visible to approaching vehicles

Marked lines enhance feeling of comfort for pedestrians

Enhanced Crossings Educational Materials

Learn More About Enhanced Crossings