pedway: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Urban Planning
Quick answer
What does “pedway” mean?
A covered, elevated walkway for pedestrians, typically connecting buildings in an urban area.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A covered, elevated walkway for pedestrians, typically connecting buildings in an urban area.
A system of enclosed pedestrian paths, often above street level or underground, designed to separate foot traffic from vehicular traffic, common in dense city centers, campuses, or complexes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is recognized but rare; 'pedestrian subway', 'underpass', or 'covered walkway' are more common for underground or at-grade crossings. In the US, particularly in cities like Chicago or Minneapolis, 'pedway' (often capitalized as a proper name, e.g., 'the Chicago Pedway') is a known term for specific, extensive networks.
Connotations
US: Suggests a modern, integrated urban network. UK: May sound like an Americanism or jargon.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Higher recognition in North American cities with such infrastructure.
Grammar
How to Use “pedway” in a Sentence
Use [the/our/city's] pedway to [verb]The pedway connects [place A] to [place B]Take [the] pedway from [place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In a business district, the pedway allows employees to move between offices and amenities without going outside.
Academic
The study analysed the impact of the pedway system on retail footfall in the urban core.
Everyday
Let's take the pedway to the station; it's raining.
Technical
The structural load calculations for the new pedway segment must account for thermal expansion.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pedway”
- Spelling as 'pedeway'.
- Using it as a generic term for any sidewalk.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈpiːdweɪ/ (like 'ped' in 'pedal'). Correct is /ˈpɛdweɪ/ (like 'ped' in 'pedestrian').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, yes. A pedway is usually an enclosed or covered walkway, protecting pedestrians from the weather.
They are often used synonymously in North America, though 'skywalk' more strongly implies an above-ground structure, while 'pedway' can be above or below ground.
Only when it's part of a proper noun for a specific system, like the 'Chicago Pedway'. In general use, it's not capitalised.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. Most people would use more general terms like 'covered walkway' or 'walkway' unless they live in a city with a famous pedway system.
A covered, elevated walkway for pedestrians, typically connecting buildings in an urban area.
Pedway is usually technical, urban planning in register.
Pedway: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɛdweɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛdˌweɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PEDestrian highWAY, shortened to PEDWAY.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARTERIES FOR PEOPLE (The pedway is a vessel/channel moving people through a city's body).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'pedway' primarily designed for?