U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000
A leading pedestrian interval (LPI) gives pedestrians the opportunity to enter the crosswalk at an intersection 3-7 seconds before vehicles are given a green indication. Pedestrians can better establish their presence in the crosswalk before vehicles have priority to turn right or left.
LPIs provide the following benefits:
An LPI allows a pedestrian to establish a presence in the crosswalk before vehicles are given a green indication. Source: FHWA
FHWA's Handbook for Designing Roadways for the Aging Population recommends the use of the LPI at intersections with high turning vehicle volumes. Transportation agencies should refer to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Section 4E.06) for guidance on LPI timing and ensure that pedestrian signals are accessible for all users. Costs for implementing LPIs are very low when only signal timing alteration is required.
Sources
1. Goughnour, E., D. Carter, C. Lyon, B. Persaud, B. Lan, P. Chun, I. Hamilton, and K. Signor. "Safety Evaluation of Protected Left-Turn Phasing and Leading Pedestrian Intervals on Pedestrian Safety." Report No. FHWA-HRT-18-044. Federal Highway Administration. (October 2018)
Filter countermeasures by focus area, crash type, problem identified, and area type.