Blind Pedestrians' Access to Complex Intersections

Research


	Introduction
	Crossing Problems
	Common Problems
	Effect of APS on Street Crossings
	Other Effects of APS
	Blind Pedestrians' Access to Complex Intersections
	Project 3-62 Guidelines for Accessible Pedestrian Signals
	Comparison of two types of APS
	Interfacing Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) and Traffic Signal Controllers
	Accessible Pedestrian Signals - Curriculum Development
	Wayfinding Technologies for People with Visual Impairments
	Comparison of APS signal technologies

Rules & Regulations

Types

Walk Indications

Other Features

Where to Install

Designing Installations

New Construction or Reconstruction

Retrofitting an Intersection with an APS

Installation Specifications

Field Adjustments

Case Studies

International Practice

Manufacturers

Selection Tool

Product Matrix

Full Guide

Rating Scales

Field Adjustments

Current Research:
Blind Pedestrians' Access to Complex Intersections

Funding
National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health -
Bioengineering Research Partnership

Time frame
June 2000- May 2005

Summary
The research study titled Blind Pedestrians' Access to Complex Intersections, a 5-year study that began in June 2000, includes a major task to examine a number of issues related to APS.

Objectives of APS task:

Determine the optimal characteristics of push-button locator and WALK signal tones, compare different APS technologies.
Carry out a demonstration project using an optimal APS technology.
During the first two years of this project, which have just ended, the focus of the research has been on determining optimal characteristics for the visually impaired traveler with respect to optimal characteristics of tone signals for detection and beaconing in the presence of vehicular noise.
Signal strategies to enable correct determination of which crosswalk has the WALK signal and the most positive impact on alignment and veering.
Height of the audible signal.
Effect of locator tone on crossing accuracy.

Prototype APS technology manufactured by Novax, having the optimal characteristics as determined by testing in years 1 and 2 and part of year 3, will be tested at two intersections in each of four cities several times over a period of the subsequent three years.

Research organizations
Western Michigan University, Vanderbilt University, Boston College, Johns Hopkins, University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center

Contact
Billie Louise (Beezy) Bentzen
Boston College, Dept. of Psychology
140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3807
919-962-8705 - bbentzen@accessforblind.org

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This site was developed under the sponsorship of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program.