Pedestrian scramble

A pedestrian scramble, also known as a 'X' Crossing (UK), diagonal crossing (US), scramble intersection (Canada), exclusive pedestrian phase, and more poetically Barnes Dance, is a pedestrian crossing system that stops all vehicular traffic and allows pedestrians to cross an intersection in every direction, including diagonally, at the same time.

It was first used in Canada and the United States in the late 1940's, the understanding of the benefits in terms of pedestrian amenity and safety have led to new examples being installed in many countries in recent years.

The most famous implementation of this kind of intersection is in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Etymology

The name Barnes Dance comes from Henry Barnes. While he did not claim to have invented it himself, he was a strong advocate of it, having observed the difficulties his daughter experienced on her way to school. In his autobiography, The Man With the Red and Green Eyes, he writes...
Read More