Where Should You Install Pedestratian Wayfinding Signage?

When using pedestrian wayfinding signage in a residential community or commercial shopping center, you'll need to choose the right location for it. Pedestrian wayfinding signage, of course, is designed specifically to convey information to pedestrians. It may feature the names of nearby businesses or neighborhoods, or it may feature arrows or other directions pointing to these places. Where should you install pedestrian wayfinding signage exactly?

Away From Intersections

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) states that pedestrian wayfinding signage should be installed away from intersections, particularly intersections with "high-priority traffic control devices." Traffic lights typically fall under this category. Traffic lights are traffic control devices that play an important role in regulating the flow of traffic. When installing pedestrian wayfinding signage, you should try to choose a location that's away from traffic lights and other high-priority traffic control devices.

Face Towards the Sidewalk

Assuming there's a sidewalk nearby, you should install the pedestrian wayfinding signage so that it faces the sidewalk. Sidewalks, of course, are designed for pedestrians. With the pedestrian wayfinding signage facing it, pedestrians will be able to easily see the information and directions that it conveys. They'll be able to read the information and directions while walking along the sidewalk.

Preserve View of Traffic Control Devices

When installing pedestrian wayfinding signage, you should preserve the view of traffic control devices. In other words, don't install pedestrian wayfinding signage in a location where it blocks or prevents motorists from seeing nearby traffic control devices. If motorists can't see a traffic control device, they may fail to follow the instructions it conveys, which could result in an injury-causing collision.

Avoid Mounting Overhead

Pedestrian wayfinding signage shouldn't be mounted overhead. Overhead mounting is an option for certain traffic control devices in certain areas. According to the MUTCD, though, pedestrian wayfinding signage shouldn't be mounted overhead. Instead, it should be mounted to the ground via a pole or base. Ground-based mounting will make the pedestrian signage wayfinding easier to read.

Avoid Retroreflectivity

The MUTCD also states that pedestrian wayfinding signage shouldn't feature retroreflectivity. What is retroreflectivity exactly? It's a reflective coating that's designed to reflect light. Most road signs and traffic signs feature this reflective coating. When vehicles approach them at night, they'll reflect light so that motorists can see them more easily. Pedestrian wayfinding signage isn't designed for motorists, however. It's designed for pedestrians. As a result, it shouldn't feature retroreflectivity.

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