Traffic signals create gaps in the traffic flow, allowing pedestrians to cross the street. They should allow adequate crossing time for pedestrians and an adequate clearance interval based upon a maximum walking speed of 1.1 m/s (3.5 ft/s). In areas where there is a heavy concentration of the elderly or children, a lower speed of less than 1.1 m/s (3.5 ft/s) should be used in determining pedestrian clearance time. Signals are particularly important at high-use, mid-block crossings on higher speed roads, multi-lane roads, or at highly congested intersections. National warrants from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices are based on the number of pedestrians and vehicles crossing the intersection, among other factors.¹ However, judgment must also be used on a case-by-case basis. For example, a requirement for installing a traffic signal is that there are a certain number of pedestrians present. If a new facility is being built—a park or recreational path, for example—there will be a new demand, and the signal should be installed in conjunction with the new facility based on projected crossing demand. There may also be latent demand if a destination is not currently accessible, but could become so with new facilities or redesign.

In downtown areas, signals are often closely spaced, sometimes every block. Timed sequencing of signals may reduce the amount of time allotted per cycle for pedestrian crossing to unsafe lengths. Signals are usually spaced farther apart in suburban or outlying areas, but similar considerations for pedestrian phasing should be made. When high pedestrian traffic exists during a majority of the day, fixed-time signals should be used to consistently allow crossing opportunities. Pedestrian actuation should only be used when pedestrian crossings are intermittent and should be made accessible to all pedestrians, including those with disabilities.