How wide should a pedestrian bridge be?

1.2 metre width for pedestrian bridges aligns with British Standards and serves as a minimum requirement for safe, accessible crossings. According to guidelines such as BS 8300 for accessible design and BS 5489 for public walkways, this width allows single-file walking and accommodates a wheelchair user or a person with limited mobility, but it is limited for two-way or group crossings.

British Standards prioritise accessibility, and the 1.2-metre width ensures that individuals, including those using wheelchairs, can pass safely, though it’s more suited for quieter footpaths or low-traffic areas. In places with frequent pedestrian traffic or where both pedestrians and cyclists use the bridge, a wider path of at least 1.5 metres is recommended for better accessibility and comfort. This allows for smoother, two-way movement and eliminates potential bottlenecks.