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Go to Front page Background section Travel by Blind
 Research
Rules & Regulations
Technologies and Features section Types
Walk Indications
Major considerations
Location of Walk Indications
Methods of providing WALK indications
Tones
Speech messages
Vibrating Surfaces
Messages to receiver hardware
Volume of WALK indication
Audible beaconing
Other Features
Choosing and Installing section Where to Install
Designing Installations
New Construction or Reconstruction
Retrofitting an Intersection with an APS
Installation Specifications
Field Adjustments
State of Practices section Case Studies
International Practice
Devices section Manufacturers
Selection Tool
Product Matrix
Downloads section Full Guide
Rating Scales
Field Adjustments
Glossary
 
Walk Indications

Summary
The indication of the Walk interval is the most critical information provided by the APS. There are a number of APS available and different devices and WALK indications may be needed for different situations. This section provides information about the considerations in choosing WALK indications, characteristics of different types of WALK indications, and recommended usage that may assist in choosing the appropriate WALK indication. A discussion of WALK indication volume, the use of audible beaconing, and suggested criteria for audible beaconing are included.

APS technology is changing rapidly and additional choices or features may become available. Those making purchasing decisions should consider the background information provided here which will be helpful in evaluating new technology.

Contents

Major considerations
Locations of WALK indications
Methods of providing WALK indications
Volume of WALK indication
Use of audible beaconing


Additional information
The other features of the device chosen can also affect the usability of the APS and the pedestrians' understanding of the WALK indication. Various features and their use are explained in detail in Other Features.

Poor installation can result in ambiguous WALK information from any APS. Additional information on installation is provided in Designing Installations and New Construction or Reconstruction.

The Matrix identifies WALK indications and features currently available on different manufacturer's devices.

Criteria
APS indication of the Walk interval:
  • Must be unambiguous with regard to which street has the Walk interval
  • Must be audible from the beginning of the associated crosswalk
  • Should be no louder than the associated quiet locator tone unless a louder beaconing feature is actuated for a single pedestrian phase
  • Should have a much faster repetition rate than the locator tone, when tones are used to indicate the Walk interval
Above criteria are based on At this time there are a number of APS available that meet the above criteria. The following sections discuss these requirements further.

 

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