Signs
and Signals
49.
Pedestrian Push
Pedestrian
Push Button
At
locations where pedestrian activity is infrequent and pedestrian signal
phasing is not warranted on a full-time basis, the use of pedestrian-actuated
signals (i.e., push-buttons) may be justified (figure 5-6). Pedestrian
push-buttons are appropriate where occasional pedestrian movements occur
and adequate opportunities do not exists for pedestrians to cross.1
Where no pedestrian signals are present, actuation of the push-buttons
may be used to extend the green phase to allow pedestrians sufficient
crossing time. Push-buttons may also be used with pedestrian signals to
provide a quicker WALK interval with extended WALK time for safer pedestrian
crossing.3
Pedestrian
push-buttons should be mounted 3 1/2 to 4 feet above the sidewalk and
placed in a conspicuous, convenient, location,1 preferably next to curb
ramps. Such placement will reduce the need for signing to explain which
button needs to be pushed to cross the street. Signs such as PUSH BUTTON
FOR WALK SIGNAL are needed with the actuation devices to explain their
meaning and use. When two actuation devices are placed close together
for crossings in different directions (e.g., at intersections), it is
important to indicate which crosswalk signal is controlled by each push-button
(e.g., PUSH BUTTON TO CROSS SECOND AVENUE). Push-button devices may also
be needed on medians and refuge islands where signal timing does not allow
pedestrians to cross the complete street width during one signal phase.1,3
Pedestrian
safety can be enhanced by pedestrian push-buttons only if they are correctly
installed and maintained. Many agencies resist installing pedestrian push-buttons
because they are either infrequently used or often used improperly by
pranksters wishing to disrupt traffic flow. Problems that have been identified
contributing to pedestrian push-button nonuse include the following.6
-
Many
push-button devices are hidden from pedestrian view or out of reach
(such as on telephone poles 10 to 20 feet from the crosswalk).
-
Signing
is often nonexistent or confusing and does not indicate which
push-button corresponds to each crosswalk.
-
At
many locations, timing requires that pedestrians wait one minute or
more after the buttons are pushed before the WALK interval is
displayed. Often, pedestrians push the button and cross the street
before the WALK interval begins. Then traffic is stopped when no
pedestrians are present.
-
Some
push-buttons are inoperative or operated only during off-peak hours
(and pedestrians were not instructed that the push-buttons only worked
during certain periods of the day).
The
following are recommendations to improve the effectiveness of pedestrian
push-button devices. 6
-
Repair
and maintain the push-buttons as necessary to make them more responsive
to pedestrians (for example, time them to provide a WALK interval
to pedestrians with thirty seconds after the buttons are pushed).
-
Provide
signs with push-buttons explaining the specific streets that should
can be crossed when activated.
-
Provide
illuminated push-buttons similar to those used with elevators to indicate
when the actuation device is operational. These types of push-buttons
reassure pedestrians that their signal call has been received by the
controller.
-
Provide
a sign explaining the operational times at those pedestrian actuation
devices that are designated to only operate at specific times of the
day.
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