One thing that I noticed all across Copenhagen and frequently found in Malmo, Sweden was the use of raised intersections. (Our class is now in Malmo for 3 days before traveling to the Netherlands)
The typology of a raised intersection allows for pedestrian and bicycle paths to cross an intersection while remaining at grade, while the vehicles are required to travel up and over a slight speed hump/ledge. This form of a speed hump (more of a ledge because it’s larger and less dramatic) helps to program the use of space. It also emphasizes the priority of the design for pedestrian and bicycles vs. speeding vehicles.
The speed ledge allows for anyone on foot or bicycle (or wheelchair, walker, etc ) to travel more easily with less grade changes and further programs and ideal stopping location for vehicles (Right before the speed hump).
Photos taken in Malmo, Sweden.
This is a great design detail to call out and a great philosophical question for others to ponder – do streets cross sidewalks or sidewalks cross streets?