To calm traffic and increase pedestrian connectivity, mid-block crossings can be clearly articulated and designed to slow traffic, especially where blocks are long. Bulb-outs in the sidewalk shorten crossing distances. Changes in pavement color and texture signal drivers that this is a pedestrian area. The crosswalk can be raised as well to act as a speed bump.
![Source: City of San Diego Planning Division](http://www.designyourtown.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/RPA_Details-Links-L78-Mid-Block-Crossing.jpg)