The signal to walk should also have a longer delay. Whenever I cross Broadway some car goes through on red at least half the time without exaggeration. The walk signs should also have a sign warning not to cross until the walk light is lit. Many people cross on Church Street when the red light comes on rather than waiting, not realizing that turning left off Church, you have a turn option after it turns red.
I fully agree with what Sara posted, on each count. I think adding as little as 5 seconds to the walk light would allow sufficient time for the elderly and disabled to safely cross the intersection.
There are a number of issues to consider. Are there pedestrian push buttons that are not being used? If so the signal may not recognize the presence of a pedestrian.
A recent change to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices recommends 3.5 feet per second for the pedestrian clearance interval (flashing don't walk) and a minimum of 7 seconds for the walk interval, although that can be reduced.
Don't be confused by the length of the walk interval. It's not intended to get you totally across the street. The Don't Walk is a "clearance interval" and is the critical phase. Like the yellow and all-red phases for cars, it's intended to clear the street of pedestrians.
3 Comments
Sara (Guest)
Badger24 (Registered User)
Al Karoly (Registered User)
There are a number of issues to consider. Are there pedestrian push buttons that are not being used? If so the signal may not recognize the presence of a pedestrian.
A recent change to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices recommends 3.5 feet per second for the pedestrian clearance interval (flashing don't walk) and a minimum of 7 seconds for the walk interval, although that can be reduced.
Don't be confused by the length of the walk interval. It's not intended to get you totally across the street. The Don't Walk is a "clearance interval" and is the critical phase. Like the yellow and all-red phases for cars, it's intended to clear the street of pedestrians.
Please refer to: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part4/fig4e_02_longdesc.htm for more than you probably want to know about this.
If you have concerns after measuring the length of the Flashing Don't Walk interval, I suggest you contact the City Engineer.