Tactile Blister Surface (Aligned Buttons) for Crosswalks
The tactile blister surface with aligned buttons is a crucial element in urban environments to assist visually impaired pedestrians. Its primary function is to indicate the transition between the sidewalk and the roadway, ensuring safe navigation at pedestrian crossings. This surface is used at both controlled and uncontrolled intersections, providing a consistent and recognizable texture underfoot.
In addition to crosswalks, the blister surface is also applied at intersections of tactile pathways to signal changes in direction, path interruptions, or the need for user action (such as opening a door). To enhance visibility, bright, contrasting colors should be used, with red being reserved exclusively for controlled intersections. Proper implementation of this surface improves accessibility and pedestrian safety in urban spaces.
- Install only at designated crosswalks.
- Use to indicate the transition between sidewalk and roadway.
- Can be used at intersections with or without traffic signal control.
- Implement bright contrasting colors to improve visibility.
- Red should only be used at controlled intersections.
- Use at tactile path intersections to indicate a change of direction, new directions or the interruption of a tactile path (for crossings, or because we are in front of a device such as a door that requires our action).
Sources
- https://www.une.org/encuentra-tu-norma/busca-tu-norma/norma?c=N0069408
- https://accessible-eu-centre.ec.europa.eu/content-corner/digital-library/en-172102021-accessibility-and-usability-built-environment-functional-requirements_en
- https://www.access-board.gov/adaag-1991-2002.html#2.%20GENERAL
- https://universaldesign.ie/built-environment/building-for-everyone/building-for-everyone-full-series
- https://www.codigotecnico.org/pdf/Documentos/SUA/DccSUA.pdf
- https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NR-GN-CIV-300-06-Tactile-Paving-wayfinding.pdf
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61df0c91e90e07037794fe90/guidance-on-the-use-of-tactile-paving-surfaces.pdf
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