Exterior pedestrian routes should be well defined with smooth walking surfaces, adequate lighting, and landscaping that allows visual access while providing shade.
Paths from drop off areas need to be wide enough to accommodate peak periods of use, thus preventing congestion, pushing, and accidents. Paving material should be nonskid, well marked, non-glare, and without sudden or dramatic changes of elevation. Canopies, either built or of trees, should be used to provide shaded areas for students to wait to board buses. This can help reduce conflicts caused by the psychological irritation of standing in the hot sun.
Covered walkways between buildings could be bordered with low shrubs and hedges planted at grade. Heights for border plants should not exceed 18". Taller hedges should be maintained in such a way so that one can see someone hiding behind them.
Planters along exterior routes should be designed to allow easy maintenance and prevent vandalism. They typically become containers for stray refuse, or an option for seating, which in turn can damage the plants. Properly designed, these planters can integrate seating, lighting, and garbage containers.