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Pedestrian push-buttons are often used at locations where full-time
pedestrian signal phasing is not warranted or where the pedestrian activity
is infrequent. Typically, these buttons may be used to do one of the following:
- extend the green phase of the signal for traffic crossing in the
same direction to allow more time for pedestrians to cross;
- extend the WALK phase of the pedestrian signal;
- actuate the green traffic signal or pedestrian signal at locations
with minimal cross-street traffic or at mid-block locations; and/or
- provide a quicker WALK interval to minimize the wait time.
While the intent of these buttons is to enhance pedestrian
safety, the installation and maintenance practices associated with the
devices often leads to widespread nonuse by pedestrians. In a study by
Zegeer et al.(1985), problems found with respect to these devices included:
- Location of the push-buttons away from the crosswalk and out of
view or out of reach.
- Signing for the push-buttons was often nonexistent or confusing
in that it was not clear which button was associated with which crosswalk;
and
- Some buttons were inoperative during part of the day with no message
to the pedestrian to indicate this practice.
All of these problems result in a lack of confidence on the part of
pedestrians and results in the nonuse of the pedestrian push-button. One of the recommendations from the Zegeer et al. study was
the installation of
illuminated push-buttons, which provide feedback to the waiting
pedestrian that the button is working and that the signal will change
to allow them to cross the street.
REFERENCE:
Zegeer, C.V., Opiela, K.S., and Cynecki, M.J., Pedestrian Signalization
Alternatives (Report No. FHWA/RD-83/102), Federal Highway Administration,
Washington, DC, July 1985.
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| Push-buttons
commonly used today provide no feedback to the pedestrian to indicate
that the button is working and that the signal will change. |
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| To
view video choose your connection speed? |
| 28.8
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T1 |
| Very
often pedestrians put themselves at risk by choosing not to use
the push-button, or by using it and then crossing against the signal
anyway. |
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