Problem
Where fast-moving cars and pedestrians meet in cities, the cars overwhelm the pedestrians. The car is king, and people are made to feel small.
Solution
We conclude that any pedestrian path along a road carrying fast-moving cars should be about 18 inches above the road, with a low wall or railing, or balustrade along the edge, to mark the edge. Put the raised walk on only one side of the road—make it as wide as possible.
Related Patterns
… this pattern helps complete the Network of Paths and Cars (52) and Road Crossing (54). It is true that in most cases, pedestrian paths which follow the path network will be running across roads, not next to them. But still, from time to time, especially along major Parallel Roads (23), between one road crossing and the next, there is a need for paths along the road. This pattern gives these special paths their character.
Protect the raised walk from the road, by means of a low wall — Sitting Wall (243). An arcade built over the wall, will, with its columns, give an even greater sense of comfort and at special points where a car might pull in t pick up or drop off passengers, build steps into the raised walk, large enough so people can sit here and wait in comfort — Stair Seats (125).
Alexander, Christopher. A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction. Oxford University Press, 1977, p. 285.