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.