Urban Planning Proposal: Systematic Installation of Tactile Guide Strips at Crosswalks

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am asking you to submit a proposal aimed at improving the accessibility of Lausanne’s public spaces for blind and visually impaired people.

Lausanne, the second-largest city in French-speaking Switzerland—modern and international—must set an example in terms of solidarity toward its most vulnerable residents. With this spirit of social progress in mind, I would like to draw your attention to a lack of infrastructure adapted for people with visual impairments at crosswalks. The current use of certain white tactile paving squares remains limited and proves to be less effective and aesthetically pleasing.

I propose that we follow the example of cities such as Geneva and Nyon, as well as the majority of European cities, by systematically installing tactile paving with raised dots in front of every crosswalk, according to the following criteria:

• Precise placement: Place a strip of the same dimensions as the yellow marking directly on the sidewalk before the crosswalk—that is, two strips per standard crossing (one on each side) and four strips if there is a central island (two on the outer sidewalks and two on the island on either side of the two sections).

• Optimal Guidance: This widened surface will provide a much more effective tactile guide, safely guiding people with visual impairments across the entire width of the walkway.

• Aesthetics and discretion: Designed to blend into the environment, these white (as in Nyon) or yellow (as in Geneva) stripes will ensure excellent visibility for everyone without detracting from the character of our streets.

This initiative would reinforce the image of an inclusive city that is deeply committed to the well-being of everyone.

Thank you for your consideration of this proposal. I am available to discuss it further.