Pedestrian Overpasses

Here are some photos and the locations of some of the many pedestrian overpasses I've seen in Yokosuka. Common features include stairs, guard rail barriers (to prevent crossing street at grade), and bicycle ramps. The bicycle ramps are fascinating - they are usually located in the center of the stairs, and are used exclusively to help bicyclists walk their bikes over the ramp. Most are much too steep to ride a bicycle over, although one day I did see a person ride their bike down one of them. I have not seen any skateboarders or rollerbladers using these ramps for jumps or practice.

The older overpasses have steeper stairs and narrower walkways, and are usually painted green. I estimate that they were built in the 1950s and 1960s when Japan's postwar economy started booming and roadway traffic increased. The newer overpasses tend to be much larger and wider, increasing pedestrian capacity and accommodating the disabled with multiple elevators. The one near the Yokosuka Chuou train station (not pictured) even has sculptures and benches, literally transforming the area over a busy roadway intersection into a lively public space.