Pedestrian Policies

Walkability Policy
In 2002, the Greensboro City Council adopted the Greensboro Walkability Policy in recognition of the need to promote the development of a safe, convenient, and attractive system of pedestrian facilities throughout Greensboro. The policy reads:

The Greensboro City Council hereby establishes the goal of creating a more walkable Greensboro. This goal will be attained through the following actions:

• An ongoing City sidewalk construction program targeted to community and transportation system needs, including improving safety and access to needed services and destinations
• An ongoing City effort to respond to pedestrian safety, mobility, and access issues through the use of other warranted pedestrian facility improvements, education, and other strategies
• Ordinance requirements that sidewalk construction meets pedestrian safety and access needs and furthers the City's sidewalk connectivity goals.

Sidewalk Installation Ordinance

Building on the foundation of the Walkability Policy, GDOT worked with the City's Planning Department and the community to develop proposed amendments to Greensboro's sidewalk installation requirements as specified by the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). These amendments were designed to increase the amount of sidewalk required to be installed in conjunction with new development, redevelopment or subdivision projects.

A public information meeting was held in November 2002 to provide the public with an opportunity to learn detailed information about the proposed amendments and to provide input on the proposal. Collectively referred to as the Sidewalk Ordinance Amendment, this series of proposed revisions to the UDO was adopted by Greensboro City Council on December 3, 2002. The new requirements took effect January 1, 2003 and have improved pedestrian safety, access, and circulation throughout the City.

Adopted City of Greensboro Sidewalk Ordinance Amendment - 12-03-02

Summary of the Sidewalk Ordinance Amendment

Sidewalk Petition Program for Neighborhood Streets

Want a sidewalk on your street? The City of Greensboro has a sidewalk petition program for neighborhood streets. Follow these steps to make your neighborhood more walkable:

• Only property owners may petition for new sidewalks.
• You may petition for more than one block and, in some cases (such as near a school), on both sides of the street.
• New sidewalks must either connect to existing sidewalks or end at a cross-street. We don’t want to end a new sidewalk in the middle of a block.
• Look closely at the area where you want to have new sidewalk built. If you have these impediments, sidewalk construction might not be possible without removing them:
• Big trees
• Excessive slopes
• Fences, walls
• Poles, hydrants
• Generally, sidewalks can only be installed where streets already have curbs and gutters.
• It’s usually a good idea to talk to your neighbors before you start the petition to make sure you have their support.
• Contact the Bike/Ped Coordinator to start the petition process. We will discuss the project limits with you and determine the project's feasibility.
• If it's determined to be a feasible project, petition form and maps will be mailed to you.
• You will be responsible for obtaining at least 51 percent of the affected property owners' signatures within the time frame established on your petition. When you have completed the petition, return it to the Bike/Ped Coordinator.
• Your project will be authorized and sent to Engineering & Inspections for design and assignment to a Project Manager.
• You and your neighbors will receive progress reports from your Project Manager.

Enjoy walking on your new sidewalk!