This subject is covered in our official design guide with references to State and Federal regulations. Our guide was approved by FHWA. See Sections 4.3.10 and 4.3.11. This may be accessed at www.dot.ca.gov/hq/oppd/dib/dib82-03.pdf

Ken - We have a standard available at ftpftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cmd/cserve/standard/roadway/prd05.pdf but we're about to replace it. we've been working on revisions to update it to meet LRFD and provide more information regarding splices and so forth. I you want to drop me an e-mail offline, I'll be happy to send you a copy when it's released. We don't generally require any kind of edge protection unless the condition also requires a handrail, but there's a lot of room for engineering judgement depending on the site.

These are the FDOT standards for pedestrian guardrails (picket rail.) www.dot.state.fl.us/rddesign/rd/RTDS/06/850.pdf (steel) www.dot.state.fl.us/rddesign/rd/RTDS/06/860.pdf (aluminum)

Since the US DOT has just adopted the new 2004 ADA Accessibility Guidelines as their standard (ADAAS), consider mirroring the language for handrails in section 505. The standards are available at www.access-board.gov/ada-aba/final.htm See ADAAS 405.9.2 for technical dimensions of a wheel guide in a similar situation (ramp). In CA, we have a requirement for a 6" high warning curb (or regular rail) at conditions where there is an abrupt drop-off, exceeding 4" in height between a pedestrian way and the adjacent area (other than an adjacent vehicular way). CBC 1133B.8.1. Jurgen

Thanks for all the feedback...in the way of clarification: what I'm looking for is what other states are using for guidance on when and where to install handrail on sidewalks adjoining roadways. Specifically, does your state provide guidance on embankment slope and height, sidewalk grade, and "shoulder" width between the sidewalk and embankment? ken

FDOT uses the AASHTO guidance of protecting a hazard: if steeper than 1:2, closer than 24" to edge of sidewalk, and more than 10" drop-off - provide a pedestrian guiderail (42" high, 2-pipe.) If greater than 30" drop-off - provide a pedestrian guardrail (42", prohibit passage of 4" sphere, etc.)

Dean - there are so many AASHTO documents out there... can you advise which one
(and what page) contains these requirements? Some sound like the guidance
given for shared use (bike + ped) paths but I wouldn't have thought they
necessarily apply to sidewalks. I know there are some requirements if you're
on a bridge but we haven't found much for along a sidewalk. Thanks so much
for your assistance.

We required edge protectors at any vertical transition greater than 1/4" since
the standard states 1/4" or greater vertical transition are not allowed ALONG
an accessible route which includes the sides. The edge protector is 1.5" to 2"
high and usually protrudes 1.5" to 2" beyond a wall or vertical support rail,
not only keeps the caster on the ramp it also protects the persons hands on the
rims from scraping or hitting walls and vertical posts. Hand rails need to be
placed at 34" to the top to comply with OSHA, ICC, and ADA

Is anyone aware of any crashworthy pedestrian handrails that are available?

www.bpindex.co.uk/manf.html?id=9371
I, too, am looking into Pedestrian Barrier, and ran across this. The barrier
"gives" on impact, but the product is made in UK, and I got federal funding on
my project.