Accessibility
Pedestrian clear zone
Bande de cheminement libre
Pedestrian clear zone is the unobstructed portion of a sidewalk reserved for continuous pedestrian movement. It is distinct from frontage and furnishing space, and its practical width can change when doors open, people queue, vehicles overhang, or temporary curbside activities spill onto the walking route.
Understanding the term
Measure clearance under realistic operating conditions. A route that is clear before businesses open may be constrained during peak deliveries, dining service, or transit boarding.
Assess the entire journey rather than a single compliant feature. A person must be able to approach, transfer, orient themselves, and continue to the destination under actual operating conditions. Engage people with varied access needs and document the applicable local requirements. Guidance from another jurisdiction can inform design thinking, but it does not replace the standards adopted by the responsible authority or the need to maintain access during works and daily operations.