Street design
Sidewalk
Trottoir
Sidewalk is the part of a street intended primarily for pedestrian movement alongside the roadway. Its usable width depends on clear walking space rather than total paved width, because furniture, loading activity, queues, and parked vehicles can reduce continuous accessible passage.
Understanding the term
Survey the narrowest clear point, not just the curb-to-building distance. Temporary objects can create barriers even where the permanent design provides adequate width.
Design assessment should follow the complete paths of people and vehicles through the location. Check visibility, drainage, accessible passage, delivery handling, and maintenance under realistic operating conditions. An apparently adequate plan can fail when doors open, vehicles turn, or queues form. Record site constraints and the governing design guidance, then review the arrangement after installation so that changing activity and seasonal conditions do not invalidate the intended function.