What is an APS Accessible Pedestrian Signal - a device that
communicates information about pedestrian timing in nonvisual format such
as audible tones, verbal messages, and/or vibrating surfaces. (MUTCD
2000, Section 4A.01)
Other terms APS are known by different names in different countries:
Acoustic signals
Audio-tactile signals
Audible pedestrian signals
Audible pedestrian traffic signals
Audible traffic signals
Audible crossing indicators
Major functions of APS
APS can provide information to pedestrians about:
Existence of and location of the pushbutton
Beginning of the Walk interval
Direction of the crosswalk and location of the destination curb
Clearance interval
Intersection geometry through maps, diagrams, or speech
Intersection street names in Braille, raised print, or speech
Use in US
Although audible crossing indicators have been available for over 25 years, they have not been commonly installed in the United States. This is probably attributable to two factors:
Noise pollution and consequent community opposition
Disagreement among blind people on the need for and effectiveness
of audible pedestrian signals
More recently, changes in intersection design and signalization have affected the traditional street crossing techniques used by blind pedestrians, making the pedestrian phase harder to recognize without seeing the visual pedestrian signal. In addition, it has become essential to cross during the pedestrian phase at many intersections.
The following programs and regulations have led to increased installation
of APS:
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, requiring state and local governments to provide access to their programs, including use of public rights-of-way
TEA-21, directing that audible pedestrian signals, where appropriate,
be included in new transportation plans and projects
