126
Safer Roadways: A Complete Streets Guide
crosswalk have the right-of-way. Where high levels of pedestrian users are expected, for example near schools, no right-turn on red should be considered. AUDIBLE /ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS (APS) APS detectors are designed to accommodate the needs of all pedestrians, including those with vision and mobility impairments. They provide information in nonvisual formats such as audible tones, speech messages, and vibrating surfaces to indicate the appropriate time for pedestrians to cross the street. The integration of the addition or upgrades of accessible pedestrian signals should be accomplished during routine signal maintenance and/ or streetscape projects. At locations with lots of foot traffic, pedestrian phases should be timed to come up automatically and keep signal cycles short (ideally 90 seconds maximum). BICYCLE SIGNALS Bicycle signals and beacons facilitate bicyclist crossings of roadways. Bicycle signals make crossing intersections safer for bicyclists by clarifying when to enter an intersection and by restricting conflicting vehicle movements. Bicycle signals are traditional three lens signals with green-yellow and red bicycle stenciled lenses that can be employed at standard signalized intersections and Hybrid Signal crossings. Flashing amber warning beacons are utilized at unsignalized intersection crossings. Push buttons, signage, and pavement markings may be used to highlight these facilities for both bicyclists and motorists. Determining which type of signal or beacon to use for a particular intersection depends on a variety of factors. These include speed limits, average daily traffic, anticipated bicycle crossing traffic, and the configuration of planned or existing bicycle facilities. Signals may be required as part of the construction of a protected bicycle facility such as a cycle track with potential turning conflicts, or to decrease vehicle or pedestrian conflicts at major crossings. An intersection with bicycle signals may reduce stress and delays for a crossing bicyclist and discourage illegal and unsafe crossing maneuvers. For more design guidance consult the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide. TRANSIT Transit service can also be accommodated by the design of traffic signals, helping to ensure travel time reliability and provide an enhanced customer experience. The simplest form of accommodation is to focus on shorter signal cycles, similar to the accommodation for bikes and people walking. This can reduce the time that transit vehicles spend waiting for a green light. Dwelling at stop and red lights greatly affects the average running speed of transit; reducing the time spent at signals can greatly improve transit reliability. Signal progression timed to bus operating speed is a big step in supporting transit along a corridor. Signals are timed to allow a vehicle traveling at a specified speed to continually receive green lights at intersections. With transit service, the progression is offset at intersections with transit stops to allow time for buses to dwell while passengers board or disembark. Typically, the signals will be timed to allow for a travel speed between 12-20 MPH. Short signal cycles are still preferred as they reduce the time penalty associated with missing a green phase due to congestion or a longer than average dwell.
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog