Patterns of Tactile Paving and Their Importance

Whenever you cross the street or try to board a train, then if you are a little observant, you will see small domes, and slightly raised bars placed deliberately on the surface of the ground. Such indicators are either felt by your underfoot or if you have a cane then you can feel.

Generally, this kind of tactile paving is meant for people who cannot see. There are a few common types of warning plate that are easily detectable as it uses certain attention pattern. 

Tactile products are used to help visually challenged people and you can find them installed in most of the pedestrian areas in public places e.g. railway stations, airports, tram or bus stations, etc. 

The following are a few different patterns of tactile paving that you may notice and we will try to briefly explain them in this post.

1. Lozenge pattern

Usually, tiles are used for the lozenge pattern of tactile paving. You will find they will be in the tablet shape with an even space. The purpose of this tactile is to warn pedestrians who are walking on a street level that is going to change rapidly.

They must be located 20” away from their actual edge so that road users may have a sufficient amount of time to halt position and be safe.

2. Attention pattern

This pattern is further classified into the following 2 patterns:

• Grid pattern

The truncated domes will be spaced evenly and set in the pattern of the grid in straight rows. A square grid pattern emerges as a result of the process. They are typically seen along city sidewalks. 

They are utilized to show a lowered curb that gradually transitions into a pedestrian path to the route of the main vehicle.

• Offset pattern

The domes available in this pattern are staggered, as opposed to the linear arrangement of curtailed domes in a pattern of grid. They warn drivers that there are huge holes and charms on their path. 

They are mainly found on train platforms, and they indicate that they are there to keep people from falling through gaps. As a result, they should be set up 20” before the platform’s edge.

3. Guiding pattern

This design is also known as a corduroy pattern since it is made up of round rod-like bars. They are placed either across or along your path. Each arrangement sends forth a different message to motorists. 

A warning indication indicating that you are trying to approach a step or trip hazard is a pattern type that may run across a path. Pedestrians encountering such a pattern are urged to reach a halt and exercise caution. 

As the pattern is laid out along a path, it indicates a safe course for users of the road to use. They assist pedestrians in seeing potential hazards as people walk beside them.

Usually, you will find such tactile patterns of distinct colours are installed on the pedestrian path. Certain strong and durable material is used so that they can offer longer service. Also, they can be used as a certain detectable warning for people using the road.

They are also employed as an audible warning to drivers, and each one has a distinct meaning based on the pattern.