A 'refuge island', also known as a 'pedestrian refuge' or 'pedestrian island', is a small section of
pavement or
sidewalk, completely surrounded by
asphalt or other road materials, where
pedestrians can stop before finishing crossing a
road. It is typically used when a street is very wide, as the
pedestrian crossing can be too long for some individuals to cross in one
traffic light cycle. It is also used when no light exists, and pedestrians need safe harbour after managing one direction of traffic, before taking on the next.

Refuge island
External links
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Example specification for refuge islands
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Example pictures of pedestrian islands