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Intersections and Mid-Block Crossings
especially on one-way streets. On major bike corridors, consider synchronizing lights for bike speeds. Adjust Timing for Peak and Off-Peak Volumes – Signal timing should be managed for both peak and off-peak volumes, timing may be adjusted to meet different levels of activity throughout the day and for special events. Peak hour signal timing and patterns are not appropriate during off-peak and may lead to higher speeds causing higher exposure and crashes. Use Fixed-Time Signals as Opposed to Actuated Signals - Fixed-time signals can increase predictability of intersection wait times for all users. Pedestrian Signals - Pedestrian signals are used to communicate signal timing to people walking. These familiar devices provide three indications to people on the street: Walk - signified by the symbol of a person walking; this means that people are allowed to enter the intersection to cross the street. This phase must be a minimum of seven seconds long. Change Interval - signified by the flashing hand (Don’t Walk) symbol and a countdown display; this signifies that people should no longer enter the crosswalk and should finish crossing the street within the remaining time. All change intervals should display a countdown timer. Don’t Walk - signified by the solid hand symbol; this signifies that people should not cross the street. This symbol also indicates the buffer interval, during which people can finish crossing the street while all other movements are stopped. Pedestrian signal timing is based on the pedestrian clearance time, the time it takes someone to completely walk across the intersection. It is usually based on a calculation of people walking at 3.5 ft/sec, although this can be reduced to 2.9 ft/sec 36 where high concentrations of seniors (over 65), disabled persons, or assisted children are present or expected. This time should be allowed through a combination of the pedestrian signal phases. A pedestrian signal should be provided at each leg of an intersection to prevent people from guessing whether they are crossing with traffic or not. In more Urban General (C4) and suburban contexts, such as Suburban Residential (C3R) , Suburban Commercial (C3C) , and Suburban Town (C3T) , where pedestrian volumes are higher, pedestrian signal phases should run concurrently on both sides of an intersection and pedestrian phases should be automatic and not require a push button. LEADING PEDESTRIAN INTERVAL (LPI) Another approach to keeping people safe from turning drivers is to provide a Leading Pedestrian Interval. In this situation, the pedestrian phase begins 3-7 seconds before the vehicles are given a green light. People crossing are thus already in the crosswalk before vehicles begin to turn, increasing their visibility to drivers and reinforcing that those in the
36 Recommended Walking Speeds for Pedestrian Clearance Timing Based on Pedestrian Characteristics, TRB, Gates, Noyce, Bill, Van Ee, et al
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