NYMTC Regional Pedestrian Safety Study - New York Metropolitan ...

and 3.0 feet per second more appropriate when a significant number of older pedestrians or
children are likely to cross at the intersection. For example, NYCDOT uses 3.0 feet per second
near schools. The aging population and the increased use of cell phones and other electronic
devices also suggest that a slower design speed is more appropriate. However, using slower
design walking speeds may adversely affect traffic efficiency, and therefore the context of the
intersection should be considered. The use of the 3.0 feet per second might be restricted to
“senior zones.”
Methods of signal phasing that may improve pedestrian safety
include: Split phasing, exclusive pedestrian phasing, leading
pedestrian interval (LPI), actuated pedestrian signals. The main
designations for pedestrian crossing signals are: WALK/DON’T
WALK signals (including the international symbols of a walking
man for WALK and a upraised hand for DON’T WALK),
countdown pedestrian signals, and audible signals.
Figure 5.15 Sign to
Explain Signal
Designation
WALK/DON’T WALK Signal designations: This is the most
common signal designation that exists today. The signal has three
designations: WALK; flashing DON’T WALK; and steady DON’T
WALK. Many cities have switched to the international symbols
(shown at right). A problem with these designations is that many
pedestrians do not understand the flashing DON’T WALK (or
flashing hand). Many municipalities are posting signs (see Figure
5.15) that explain the designations.
Countdown Pedestrian Signals: Instead of a flashing DON’T WALK or flashing symbol of a
walking pedestrian, countdown pedestrian signals show the time that remains in the pedestrian
crossing phase. (In some cities, the countdown starts with
the WALK signal.) They provide actual information on
when to cross and how much time is left to cross the
intersection to the pedestrians. One objection to them is
that drivers waiting for a green signal may use them to
anticipate the signal (note that the authors could not find
any data on this topic). A simple modification to the
countdown signal keeps the driver from seeing the
countdown signal for the perpendicular direction.
A study in San Francisco (an urbanized environment)
found a 52 percent reduction in pedestrian injury crashes at
14 pilot locations where countdown pedestrian signals
were installed. This was compared to a three percent
(statistically insignificant) decrease at a control sample of
intersections. Because the pilot
locations were selected because they were
5.16 Countdown Pedestrian Signal
intersections with a high number of pedestrian
NYMTC Pedestrian Safety Study 75