Pedestrian crossings Life-saving lighting solutions

Typical layouts Control solutions Typical layouts

Istvàn Laskai Road Business Segment Manager Pedestrian fatalities are not inevitable Looking at the statistics, I was horrified to learn how many pedestrians are killed each year in our cities. They are undoubtedly among the most vulnerable road users. My first question was how this could happen when we have the technology to prevent these tragedies. As accidents in spaces where vulnerable users meet vehicles often have tragic consequences, Schréder has developed specific and affordable solutions to improve safety there. The quality of the lighting of pedestrian crossings is directly related...

Our commitment Together for our Future Schréder has developed a cohesive, companywide sustainability strategy called “Together for our Future”. This commitment is structured around three axes encompassing the relevant prioritised UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainability is embedded into our strategy, structure, processes and culture. Working this way is the only way forward for truly positive and lasting benefits. Promoting active mobility and safety for all with the best lighting solutions on the market is a way to create sustainable value for communities. FOR OUR PEOPLE Being...

«We create meaningful moments for people in public spaces by making them safe, comfortable and sustainable.» Nicolas Keutgen Chief Innovation Officer – Schréder

Safety remains a major concern for cities 1 1 in 5 road fatalities in the EU are pedestrians. PEAK IN ACCIDENTS early morning and early evening during the week. of road fatalities occur on urban roads. pedestrians die each year in road accidents in the EU. The road surface was dry for 75% of pedestrian fatalities. Source: European Road Safety Observatory 5 pedestrian fatalities is a person aged 65 or older. Children and young adults (0-24) account for 16% of pedestrian fatalities.

The 5 main challenges for pedestrian crossings Distinguishing the crossing from its surroundings Making pedestrians visible in any conditions Increasing driver vigilance Encouraging pedestrians to cross the road safely Minimising glare for drivers and pedestrians

A few things to know about pedestrian crossings Vertical/horizontal illuminance Horizontal illuminance Horizontal illuminance enables the pedestrian to see the road markings and to use the pedestrian crossing correctly. Vertical illuminance helps the motorist to see the pedestrian. Vertical illuminance Horizontal illuminance Vertical illuminance

Topography of a pedestrian crossing A pedestrian crossing is a limited but highly structured area where standards and customs apply. It is important to understand the topography of this area. Direction of light emission Waiting area Pedestrian crossing width Pedestrian crossing axis

Some key concepts A visible colour contrast The contrast created by a different colour temperature from the surrounding road lighting is an effective way to highlight the pedestrian crossing and attract drivers’ attention.

Pedestrian in the driver’s eyes In urban areas, the driver’s attention is naturally focused about 100 metres ahead, at an angle of about 5°. It is therefore important that the pedestrian appears early enough in his field of vision. Vertical illumination of the pedestrian should enable the driver to see the pedestrian and react accordingly. At 50 km/h, an average motorist needs about 43 metres to stop.

Pedestrian crossings are sections of the road where good interaction between pedestrians and drivers is vital. The right lighting is essential to create the safest conditions for all.

Suitable lighting improves safety at pedestrian crossings, which need to be visible in various weather conditions and at all times of the day. It ensures the best conditions for drivers to understand the traffic situation and recognise the pedestrian’s silhouette, and makes pedestrians aware of their surroundings, the pedestrian crossing and approaching vehicles. The CIE gives recommendations and guidelines concerning the rules and levels for road lighting (including pedestrian crossings), as well as calculation procedures and methods of measurement. National standardisation bodies then convert...

What’s next? Towards a new dedicated approach A working group including the Foundation for Civil Engineering Development, the Universities of Gdańsk and Warsaw, and the Research Institute of Roads and Bridges recently came up with guidelines for pedestrian crossing lighting(1). This academic work proposes a specific way to maximise safety for pedestrians. This approach considers the luminance requirements of the road lighting class and the light reflected on pedestrians. These guidelines are not yet translated into regulations and standards, but might be soon, as normalisation bodies are currently...

VERTICAL ILLUMINATION HORIZONTAL ILLUMINATION Waiting area F Pedestrian crossing axis Waiting area Waiting area 11 Pedestrian crossing axis

Typical layouts Maximising safety and visual comfort ONE-WAY TRAFFIC A single luminaire is able to light a pedestrian crossing for a one or two lane road, or a wide road including a bicycle track.

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC 3 LANE ROAD A second luminaire will be necessary on the opposite side of the road.

TWO-WAY TRAFFIC 4 LANE ROAD A minimum of 2 luminaires is necessary to create a positive contrast for traffic in both directions.

Specific optics available for a wide range of luminaires More than half of all fatalities are due to traffic collisions that occur after dark, even though traffic is much lighter at night than during the day. With quality lighting, the number of road accidents decreases by an average of about 30%, and by up to three times in the best conditions. The driver’s ability to spot danger and avoid accidents is compromised at poorly lit pedestrian crossings. Proper lighting significantly improves visibility, increases the driver’s field of vision, makes obstacles more visible and allows them to be detected...