Bluetooth activation with a remote control and a smartphone app is currently being tested in New York City with our aBeacon. It proves that cities need to turn to innovation to best meet the needs of their residents.
The first user testimonies are very positive so far: blind and visually impaired people find that remote activation actually makes their lives easier. This will maybe incite cities from all over the world to focus on this technology, a technology at the service of its users. They're at the center of it.
The volume of the accessible pedestrian signals
How can the audio information from APS can get across the ambient sound? This can be particularly tricky for large cities. They have large and complex intersections with busy traffic and multiple means of locomotion. All of these can be more or less loud.
Knowing this, let's keep in mind that blind and visually impaired pedestrians need to be able to easily focus on the sound broadcasted by accessible pedestrian signals.
This is the reason why the volume of the audible traffic signals need to be set to a maximum of 5 dB louder than ambient sound. Most accessible pedestrian signals have a minimum volume of about 30 dB and a maximum one of about 90 dB.
But be aware that you need to take into account the ambient sound of the intersection you're installing accessible pedestrian signals at. Not all intersections have the same traffic. Consequently, some may be more or less louder than others.
The volume of your APS depends on the ambient sound of the intersection when traffic is at its busiest so during rush hours.
There can be adjustments to make during the installation of APS due to the location and sensitivity of the microphone.
When the microphone is within the pedestrian signal head which itself is positioned further away from the curb, then the traffic volume received by the microphone isn't as loud as pedestrians waiting to cross the street perceive it.
Other volume adjustments concern the WALK signal and the locator tones.
Automatic volume adjustment is necessary in order to avoid noise pollution at night but also at periods of low traffic volume.
The goal of accessible pedestrian signals is to provide audio information to blind and visually impaired to let them know when they can safely cross the street. But they can't be too loud so as not to cover up traffic sounds. People with a visual impairment rely on ambient sound to figure out the geometry of the intersection or to stay alert in case of danger.
How Accessible Are the Audible Pedestrian Pushbuttons of Your Crossings?
The use of the vibrotactile arrow
The raised tactile arrow on the pushbutton is required on all accessible pedestrian signals. It points in the direction of travel on the crosswalk. Although this can help all types of pedestrians, the alignment information isn't accurate enough for blind and visually impaired people.
The arrow vibrates during the WALK phase thus dubbing the audio information from the accessible pedestrian signals. The vibrotactile information is extremely useful for deafblind people.
Different APS systems in place
Cities throughout the United States use different accessible pedestrian signals. Here are a few examples of systems you can encounter:
' The DON'T WALK pedestrian signal broadcasts audio information letting blind and visually impaired people know that vehicles currently have the right-of-way.
' Locator tones fixed at poles so that people with a visual impairment can locate the pushbutton. Although they help blind and visually impaired users find the pushbutton and the crossing itself more easily, the noise pollution for the city and all its citizens is quite the downside of this system. Locator tones don't have a high volume but their sound is constant.
' Presence of tactile warning surface indicators at the crossing. They indicate people with vision disabilities that they're at the verge of the pedestrian crossing.
' The loudspeaker is directly integrated with the pushbutton.
' The loudspeaker is located higher in the traffic lights pole.
Another difference rests in the sound of the APS. Here are the most common audio information you may encounter when the WALK sign is on:
' A rapid ticking,
' A beeping sound,
' A chirping sound,
' A speech message stating the street name such as 'Sunset Boulevard, Walk sign is on to cross Sunset Boulevard'.
Let it be known that an accessible pedestrian signal that only states the intersection street name can be ambiguous. To be more effective and helpful to blind and visually impaired pedestrians, it should also say which street is actuated by the pushbutton. This type of information helps users get their bearings. They know if they're heading in the right direction.
Why are pedestrian crosswalk signals important to drivers?
Pedestrian crosswalk signals are as important to pedestrians as they are to drivers. That's because they play a key role in assigning the right-of-way at intersections.
The right-of-way is an important notion as it regulates traffic, one of the rules of the road. It helps organize how the intersection works and is used by all categories of users (vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists').
Traffic lights signal the right-of-way at busy intersections. This enables all users, regardless of their category, to each have their turn to carry on on their trip.
Now that we've established this, it's essential for all parties involved to remain cautious. This means that drivers need to be alert when they're getting close to an intersection. It can be identified thanks to its markings: its white stripes. They indicate the area where pedestrians can cross the street.
Even when the DON'T WALK signal is on, drivers need to be cautious in case there's a pedestrian crossing, especially if the pedestrian began to cross at the end of the WALK phase and is still crossing despite vehicles having the right-of-way.
The purpose of the crosswalk is to make sure all pedestrians can cross the street with safety. It first emerged more than years ago in the city of Pompeii. But crosswalks have taken different shapes and haven't stopped to evolve since Antiquity.
The Crosswalk: Thousands of Years of Evolution
When should you implement accessible pedestrian signals at your crossings?
Accessible pedestrian signals are one of the enablers of a seamless mobility chain. This actually concerns everybody and not just blind and visually impaired people. The mobility chain is present every time we set foot outside of our house to go to work, to use public transportation, to visit a museum'
Whether we have disabilities or not, we need to easily get around from point A to point C, meaning that point B needs to link the two other points. For the mobility chain to be efficient, all its links need to be reliable, safe, linked together and smooth.
But it's true that a seamless mobility chain is even more essential for people with disabilities. Obviously, accessible pedestrian signals have a direct impact on the autonomy of blind and visually impaired pedestrians. They enable them to enjoy their city, to do so at their pace and with autonomy.
Although it's been proven that audible traffic signals have revolutionized the mobility of people with visual impairments, not all crossings are equipped with them. We'll learn more in the next section but accessible pedestrian signals depend on several regulations including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). States in the U.S. may not follow the same regulations.
In what situations are APS required?
Here are 4 few cases where accessible pedestrian signals are required:
' In large cities APS are more numerous than in smaller cities simply because blind and visually impaired people tend to live in places where accessibility is better deployed.
' People with vision impairments can request an APS on a specific route or intersection. But first users need to know who controls the intersection among the city department of traffic engineering, the county, the state Department of Transportation and if it's a state or federal highway. Plus each of these may have a different policy regarding APS.
' Installing accessible pedestrian signals near organizations and schools for blind and visually impaired people makes perfect sense. The goal is to make these pedestrians's lives easier by paving the way with audio information.
' In a general sense, accessible pedestrian signals are necessary where non-visual indicators allowing people with vision disabilities to cross are insufficient.
It's a common misconception to think that accessible pedestrian signals aren't necessary in calm neighborhoods. Their slow traffic supposedly poses no danger to blind and visually impaired people.
But actually, accessible pedestrian signals are needed even when traffic is rare. They make up for all the hustle and bustle busy traffic provides. Pedestrians with visual impairments rely on auditory cues to find their bearings and know when to cross.
We've debunked 7 other clichés on accessibility for blind and visually impaired people.
Even if cities and states don't follow the same regulations concerning APS, it doesn't mean they don't need to comply.
New York City has been scrutinized for its lack of accessibility at its intersections for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. A federal judge has even sentenced the Big Apple to install more than 9,000 accessible pedestrian signals to make its intersections easier for people with visual impairments, people who need APS to safely cross the street.
A solution that favors their autonomy and independence. Plus as we've seen, the vibrotactile arrow is also helpful for deafblind users.
Rome wasn't built in a day and the same holds true for the city that never sleeps. The ruling in favor of installing more APS in New York City serves as an example of accessibility and inclusion for all major cities in the States. The message is clear: no one should be left behind or, in this case, on the sidewalk.
But New York City has simultaneously launched a call for innovation to make its crossings accessible for blind and visually impaired pedestrians.
The Department of Transportation chose us, Okeenea, and our accessible pedestrian signal aBeacon. We're an accessibility expert company based in France.
What laws and regulations do you need to follow regarding APS?
We've previously mentioned the right-of-way, the MUTCD and the ADA. Now it's time to uncover what's behind these acronyms and dive into these regulations.
The Americans with Disabilities Act
Enacted in , the ADA aims at protecting people with disabilities against all forms of discrimination in all aspects of everyday life. Whether you're a traffic engineer or urban planner, this means implementing accessible pedestrian signals for blind and visually impaired people to know when they can safely cross the street.
As stated in a publication by the Federal Highway of Administration (FHWA), accessible pedestrian signals are before all a means to convey information: 'Implementing regulations for Title II of ADA, which covers State and local governments, also address 'communications and information access', requiring 'effective communications' with persons with disabilities. In the sidewalk/street crossing environment, this would include accessible pedestrian signals, markings and signage.'
The emphasis here is put on 'effective communication' for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. They rely on audio information instead of visual cues like other pedestrians.
The public right-of-way
As stated earlier, the right-of-way is part of the rules of the road. Its role is to organize the traffic to let pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicles and all types of active modes of transportation have their turn.
It establishes who has the right to go first and who has to wait. The right-of-way indicates who has the priority over the other one. That's why signs, signals and markings are used. They work as traffic control devices. Of course, traffic lights and consequently accessible pedestrian signals play the same role. On busy roads, they ensure the safety of pedestrians.
In shared streets, respecting the right-of-way is not only essential but it also guarantees all road users to feel comfortable.
How to Make Shared Streets Truly Shared By All?
Since , the Proposed Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way, commonly known as PROWAG, make the installation of accessible pedestrian signals at all newly constructed or reconstructed intersections mandatory when they have visual pedestrian signals.
Although the ADA doesn't require reconstructing all intersections, it does require improving accessibility for pedestrians with disabilities, including those with a visual impairment, when an intersection needs work. For newly constructed intersections, the guidelines established by the PROWAG need to be met.
The PROWAG is reviewed by the Access Board, an independent federal agency, composed of representatives from federal departments and members of the public appointed by the President. Most of these members have disabilities thus ensuring the best way to remove accessibility barriers for people with disabilities.
The Board's aim is to enforce accessibility laws and provide technical assistance on design in various areas (built environment, transit vehicles, medical diagnostic equipment'). Accessible pedestrian signals fall under their scope.
The PROWAG ensures the MUTCD specifications and requirements are met.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
Commonly called MUTCD, this manual created by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), first came to life in when motor vehicles became more and more present in our lives. The United States felt the need to move in the right direction and with unity.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways compiles indeed national standards for all traffic control devices, their installation and maintenance. Once again, this concerns signs, signals and markings. And what interests us here: accessible pedestrian signals.
It's to be noted that the FHWA is in charge of publishing the MUTCD, updating it every 2 to 3 years. But it's up to each U.S. state and local highway agencies to elect, implement, run and maintain all traffic control devices on all public roadways.
Several sections of the MUTCD control the installation and use of accessible pedestrian signals:
' Section 4E.08 Pedestrian Detectors: 'Pedestrian detectors may be pushbuttons or passive detection devices.' It also states some of the rules we've established in the 'What is pedestrian detection?' paragraph.
' Section 4E.09 Accessible Pedestrian Signals and Detectors ' General: it indicates directives concerning the installation of APS and the taking into account by traffic and roadways engineers of:
' 'Potential demand for accessible pedestrian signals;
' A request for accessible pedestrian signals;
' Traffic volumes during times when pedestrians might be present, including periods of low traffic volumes or high turn-on-red volumes;
' The complexity of traffic signal phasing (such as split phases, protected turn phases, leading pedestrian intervals, and exclusive pedestrian phases); and
' The complexity of intersection geometry.'
' Section 4E.10 Accessible Pedestrian Signals and Detectors ' Location: it provides precious information regarding the locations of pushbuttons:
' 'Pushbuttons for accessible pedestrian signals should be located in accordance with the provisions of Section 4E.08 and should be located as close as possible to the crosswalk line furthest from the center of the intersection and as close as possible to the curb ramp.'
' 'If two accessible pedestrian pushbuttons are placed less than 10 feet apart or on the same pole, each accessible pedestrian pushbutton shall be provided with the following features (see Sections 4E.11 through 4E.13):
' A pushbutton locator tone,
' A tactile arrow,
' A speech walk message for the WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) indication, and
' A speech pushbutton information message.'
' Section 4E.11 Accessible Pedestrian Signals and Detectors ' Walk Indications: it indicates that 'accessible pedestrian signals should have both audible and vibrotactile walk indications' but goes further:
' 'If the pedestrian signal rests in walk, the accessible walk indication should be recalled by button press during the walk interval provided that the crossing time remaining is greater than the pedestrian change interval.'
' 'Where two accessible pedestrian signals are separated by a distance of at least 10 feet, the audible walk signals on one corner are not separated by a distance of at least 10 feet, the audible walk indication shall be a speech walk message.'
' 'Audible tone walk indications shall repeat at eight to ten ticks per second. Audible tones used as walk indications shall consist of multiple frequencies with a dominant component at 880 Hz.'
' Section 4E.12 Accessible Pedestrian Signals and Detectors ' Tactile Arrows and Locator Tones:
' 'To enable pedestrians who have visual disabilities to distinguish and locate appropriate pushbutton at an accessible pedestrian signal location, pushbuttons shall clearly indicate by means of tactile arrows which crosswalk signal is actuated by each pushbutton. Tactile arrows shall be located on the pushbutton, have high visual contrast (light on dark or dark on light), and shall be aligned parallel to the direction of travel on the associated crosswalk.'
' 'An accessible pedestrian pushbutton shall incorporate a locator tone.'
' 'Pushbutton locator tones shall have a duration of 0.15 seconds or less, and shall repeat at 1-second intervals.'
' 'Pushbutton locator tones shall be deactivated when the traffic control signal is operating in a flashing mode. This requirement shall not apply to traffic control signals or pedestrian hybrid beacons that are activated from a flashing or dark mode to a stop-and-go mode by pedestrian actuations.'
' 'Pushbutton locator tones shall be intensity responsive to ambient sound, and be audible 6 to 12 feet from the pushbutton, or to the building line, whichever is less.'
' Section 4E.13 Accessible Pedestrian Signals and Detectors ' Extended Pushbutton Press Features: it provides guidance on how to address features such as crossing time, audible beaconing and speech pushbutton information message resulting from an extended pushbutton press:
' 'If an extended pushbutton press is used to provide any additional feature(s), a pushbutton press of less than one second shall actuate only the pedestrian timing and any associated accessible walk indication, and a pushbutton press of one second or more shall actuate the pedestrian timing, any associated accessible walk indication, and any additional feature(s).'
' 'If additional crossing time is provided by means of an extended pushbutton press, a PUSH BUTTON FOR 2 SECONDES FOR EXTRA CROSSING TIME (R10-32P) plaque shall be mounted adjacent to or integral with the pedestrian pushbutton.
' 'Audible beaconing is the use of an audible signal in such a way that pedestrians with visual disabilities can home in on the signal that is located on the far end of the crosswalk as they cross the street.'
' 'Not all crosswalks at an intersection need audible beaconing; audible beaconing can actually cause confusion if used at all crosswalks at some intersections. Audible beaconing is not appropriate at locations with channelized turns or split phasing, because of the possibility of confusion.'
' 'Audible beaconing should only be considered following an engineering study at:
' Crosswalks longer than 70 feet, unless they are divided by a median that has another accessible pedestrian signal with a locator tone;
' Crosswalks that are skewed;
' Intersections with irregular geometry, such as more than four legs;
' Crosswalks where audible beaconing is requested by an individual with visual disabilities; or
' Other locations where a study indicates audible beaconing would be beneficial.'
What's important to understand is that all these laws and regulations complete one another. You need to be scrupulous to make sure you follow the proper standards regarding the installation and functioning of accessible pedestrian signals.
How much does the installation of audible traffic signals cost?
As you probably already know, the cost of accessible pedestrian signals depends on the signalized intersection itself: is it an existing intersection or a newly constructed one? How many crossings are there with visual pedestrian signals? What type of accessible pedestrian signal has been selected?
What funding sources can help you cover the cost of accessible pedestrian signals?
You have at your disposal many federal funds to help your city increase the safety and accessibility of its intersections.
When designing an intersection, visual and audible signals are both taken into account to approach the entire intersection and what it entails for all types of pedestrians, including those with a visual impairment.
Here are some of the funding sources that can advance your project of pedestrian accessibility:
' Federal-Aid Highway Programs National Highway System,
' Surface Transportation Program (STP),
' Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program,
' Recreational Trails Program,
' Federal Lands Highways Program,
' National Scenic Byways Program,
' Urbanized Area Formula Grants,
' Capital Investment Grants and Loans,
' Formula Program for Other Than Urbanized Area.
It's to be noted that most federal funding sources require a 20 percent match from states or localities.
How much does an accessible pedestrian signal cost?
Depending on the manufacturer and the type of APS, an accessible pedestrian signal ranges from $700 to $1,150. For a pushbutton that activates it, its cost ranges from $150 to $1,000.
Who are their manufacturers?
As we've mentioned, there are several types of accessible pedestrian signals implemented in the United States. This means they have different manufacturers with different systems. Let's take a look at them!
' Polara: since , this American manufacturer has equipped major cities in the US with accessible pedestrian signals: New York City, Los Angeles, Boston'
It provides ADA-compliant accessible crosswalk products: pushbuttons, APS and a smartphone app, PedApp, to activate the APS.
Polara uses a whole team of distributors to have their products installed across North America.
' EMTRAC: the EMTRAC system has more than one string to their bow. They improve traffic for first-response and transit vehicles and also help pedestrians cross safely with pedestrian detection and signaling.
What interests us here is their accessibility devices for blind and visually impaired pedestrians, their Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for pedestrian crossing. They've also developed their own app, the EMTRAC Pedestrian app for those with disabilities, regardless of their type, to recognize pedestrian signals and actuate crossing signals.
This app is both an accessible pedestrian signal detector (APSD) and an additional accessible pedestrian signal. This means users can easily detect an equipped intersection and select the crossing direction to activate.
' RTB: this German company has managed to set foot in North America offering a wide range of pushbuttons and acoustic units.
Their acoustic unit has been developed to adjust to the ambient noise in order to reduce noise pollution for residents while broadcasting the adequate information to pedestrians with visual impairments.
' Novax: it designs and manufactures accessible pedestrian signals and traffic signal control systems.
Just like we did with our APS aBeacon, they've developed contactless solutions having in mind the COVID-19 situation.
How Can Accessible Pedestrian Signals Become Responsive to COVID-19?
Their TouchFree Button can be activated with a simple hand-wave. Pedestrians don't need to press the button in order to actuate the accessible pedestrian signals.
It's equipped with gesture recognition sensors to detect if a pedestrian is hand-waving. Blind and visually impaired pedestrians can be aware their hand-wave has been taken into account. Indeed, a red LED will light up and an audible tone will also be emitted.
' Campbell Company: ever since employees of the company bought it, it has now been rebranded PedSafety to show the company's determination and commitment towards pedestrian safety.
They provide cities with pushbuttons and also two types of accessible pedestrian signals: a networked system and a range of independent systems.
' Swarco: the Austrian group has implemented its systems and services on all continents. They focus on road marking, signage, urban traffic management, parking, highway and tunnel management, and public transport.
They've opted for contactless pushbuttons while keeping the possibility for pedestrians to directly push them. It's the case of TOUCH SOUND: pedestrians can either actuate the pedestrian signal with an app or with a touch key and a covered pushbutton at the bottom lid.
Blind and visually impaired pedestrians are aware of the different phases of the traffic lights thanks to LED, an integrated loudspeaker and vibration.
' Okeenea: as explained earlier, we're a French accessibility company. We've been developing accessible pedestrian signals for almost 30 years. We've invented the current APS used in France. Focusing on a user-centered approach, we've been conceiving accessible solutions that truly meet the needs of blind and visually impaired people.
That's where aBeacon steps in: an APS with on demand and remote activation. Blind and visually impaired people can either use a remote control or their smartphone. But aBeacon can also be wired to the pushbutton.
Pedestrians in New York City are currently testing our accessible pedestrian signal. They benefit from a guiding sound corridor to make sure they don't go off course. Plus, as we've stated earlier the remote activation enables them to better locate the beginning of the crossing.
With such an augmented and connected accessible pedestrian signal, cities can collect data about the number of times blind and visually impaired pedestrians have actuated it. This can be useful for cities to better understand the needs of their users when getting around.
One thing we can learn from this overview of accessible pedestrian signals manufacturers is that contactless solutions are here to stay. They represent the next generation of APS in terms of innovation, safety and accessibility.
How to design APS installations?
Different factors need to be considered for you to design efficient and useful accessible pedestrian signal installations in your city.
Some notions have been developed in the 'When should you implement accessible pedestrian signals at your crossings?' section so we won't linger over them here. But there are other general principles you need to keep in mind:
' The information about the WALK signal and which crossing is being signaled needs to be unambiguous,
' Avoid adding unnecessary sound in the environment whenever possible as well for residents as for blind and visually impaired pedestrians,
' Make sure pedestrians with vision disabilities can hear the traffic sounds and the APS without any difficulties.
The goal when designing an accessible intersection is to alleviate any confusion the visually impaired may have, not adding some.
Usually, the same type of accessible pedestrian signal devices are installed in a city or state. For newly constructed intersections, the ADA requires them to be fully compliant with their guidelines, meaning the APS needs to meet these requirements. Standardized devices are thus favored.
Retrofitted intersections may use APS with other features to provide unambiguous information at different intersections for the visually impaired.
What's the perfect location to install accessible pedestrian signals?
' A pushbutton-integrated accessible pedestrian signal needs to be between the edge of the crosswalk line (extended) farthest from the center of the intersection and the side of the curb ramp.
' The accessible pedestrian signal should be located between 1.5 feet and 6 feet from the edge of the curb, shoulder or pavement but no further than 10 feet from the edge of the curb.
' The control face and tactile arrow need to be aligned with the direction of travel on the corresponding crosswalk.
' For wheelchair users to easily press the pushbutton, it needs to be located adjacent to a level all-weather surface.
' The pushbutton and the speakers for the accessible pedestrian signals need to be located less than 5 feet from the edge of the crosswalk line (extended) farthest from the center of the intersection.
' When two pushbuttons are installed at corners of signalized intersections, they need to be separated by a distance of at least 10 feet.
' The rapid tick WALK indication is to be favored.
What can you do when the intersection doesn't have two separated poles?
If the instructions above concern the usual and optimal installation of accessible pedestrian signals, there are of course exceptions and unusual cases.
There may be technical difficulties due to limited right-of-way, topography or locations of other important equipment in corners that prevent installing two APS on separate poles on the corner.
If you're facing one of these situations, be reassured that you can install two APS on a single pole. But be aware that the APS features are different from the situations when APS and APS sounds are separated.
Consequently, you can have two pushbuttons on one pole without a separation of 10 feet or more. In addition, you need to follow other requirements:
' Set up speech WALK messages instead of tones (MUTCD Section 4E.11, P7),
' Make sure the pushbutton information messages identify the intersection and the street to cross. Blind and visually impaired pedestrians need to know the street name to listen for in the WALK message. This information helps them find their bearings MUTCD Section 4E.10, P3).
What extra features for your accessible pedestrian signals do you need to think of?
You may have heard of audible beaconing: an audible signal broadcasted from the opposite side of a crossing. This makes sure blind and visually impaired pedestrians walk straight when crossing. Indeed, this feature provides directional or wayfinding information.
Be aware that not all devices of APS have an audible beaconing. Consequently, you first need to assess if this feature is essential at the location you're designing.
Audible beaconing is broadcasted through an overhead speaker, that is to say from a pedhead-mounted APS.
As for pushbutton-integrated APS, they aren't used to provide directional information during crossing. The locator tone and the tactile arrow indicating the direction of the crossing pretty much serve this purpose.
Bear in mind that audible beaconing can be useful at large or complex intersections to guide the visually impaired throughout their course.
Our article Why Your Accessible Pedestrian Signals Should Have a Guiding Sound Corridor? will shed light on this matter. Indeed, a guiding sound corridor shares similarities with audible beaconing.
The geometry of intersections
Blind and visually impaired people need to know the correct time and place to cross. This means that the location of the sound source and the volume of the WALK signal play a vital role.
Depending on the geometry of an intersection, this can be more or less difficult to ensure. Let's take a look at problematic situations regarding accessible pedestrian signals.
Unsignalized right turn lanes and splitter islands
If the APS used to cross the signalized main through lanes of the intersection is too loud, blind and visually impaired pedestrians may think the entire right turn lane is signalized. They may not realize it's not the case seeing they'll just hear the APS broadcasting sound information. They may cross when reaching the curb thinking the unsignalized right turn lane they're on is signalized.
Once again, you need to refer to the MUTCD (Section 4E.11) to check the volume adjustment and the location of the APS it recommends.
' The accessible pedestrian signal needs only to be heard from the location where the visually impaired pedestrian is waiting to cross and only audible for the crosswalk being signaled.
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' The use of audible beaconing isn't suitable for splitter islands seeing the volume cannot be controlled precisely enough.
Signalized right turn lanes and splitter islands
In this situation, the precise location of the accessible pedestrian signals is key. They need to always be located next to the corresponding crosswalks. And again, their volume needs to be adequately adjusted.
Indeed, at signalized crosswalks from corners to splitter islands, the signals to cross to the island may not be simultaneous with traffic movement parallel to the visually impaired pedestrian.
In this scenario, there's a chance for the blind and visually impaired pedestrians to confuse the WALK signal for the turn lane with the WALK signal for the through lanes of the intersection.
A pushbutton-integrated accessible pedestrian signal with a locator tone is the best solution to avoid this type of confusion. The locator tone guides the pedestrians approaching the corner.
Medians
We've mentioned medians earlier and the fact that sometimes blind and visually impaired pedestrians only have sufficient time to cross to a median. In this situation, an additional pushbutton can be installed.
It's highly recommended to install an APS with a locator tone on medians. Indeed, its goal is to inform pedestrians with vision disabilities there's another button to press to cross the whole intersection.
Furthermore, the locator tone helps them know where the median and the pushbutton are exactly.
In case the median is composed of only one accessible pedestrian signal, make sure the pushbutton has a double-ended arrow. It indicates both directions of the crossing.
However, if the two sections of the crossing have different pedestrian phases and are timed separately then you need to install two pushbutton-integrated accessible pedestrian signals. To avoid any confusion for the blind and visually impaired, they need to be separated by as much distance as possible and to be located as close to each crossing departure location as possible.
How to install accessible pedestrian signals?
What exactly do you need to install audible pedestrian signals at an intersection? Let's see different case scenarios you may encounter.
Accessible pedestrian signals at newly constructed intersections
You can refer to the PROWAG and the MUTCD (Section 4E.08 through Section 4E.13) to ensure you follow the proper requirements regarding APS at newly constructed intersections:
' Accessible pedestrian signals with pushbutton,
' Audible and vibrotactile indications of the WALK signal,
' WALK signal emitted by tone or speech message,
' Pushbutton locator tone wherever there is a pedestrian pushbutton,
' Tactile arrow indicating the direction of travel on the crossing.
At this stage, you must already be familiar with them as we've mentioned them earlier.
The Proposed PROWAG section on Operable Parts is even more specific as to the location of the pushbutton at newly constructed intersections:
' Maintain a clear space,
' It must be level and least 2.5 feet by 4 feet at the pushbutton,
' Location within specified reach ranges from clear space and
' That the clear space at the pushbutton connects to or overlaps the pedestrian access route.
The goal being that the pushbutton is conveniently located near each end of the crosswalks to be easily activated and accessible.
For a wheelchair user to activate the pushbutton, it needs to be adjacent to a level all-weather surface. The route itself, from the pushbutton to the ramp, needs to be accessible and obstacle-free.
Of course, you may face certain physical constraints. The pushbutton can be up to 10 feet from the curb if necessary when the surface is as level as possible.
The MUTCD recommends two pushbuttons on the same corner to be separated by at least 10 feet. But again, in case of physical constraints, pushbuttons can indeed be closer or on the same pole.
Accessible pedestrian signals at existing intersections
When intersections need to be retrofitted, the ADA requires you to apply the new construction guidelines when it's technically feasible of course. But as you know, this may depend on the project and the existing situation.
Consequently, you may be forced to vary the locations of pushbuttons but also the information provided by accessible pedestrian signals.
We'll guide you through each stage of the project.
Focus on providing the appropriate information
But even though the intersection is going under major refurbishments and modifications, keep in mind that you need to avoid ambiguity and confusion. This means you need to make sure pedestrians know which crosswalk has the corresponding WALK indication.
Besides, the pushbutton needs to be accessible and easily activated by pedestrians with visual and mobility impairments.
Even the slightest incorrect information can be very dangerous for the most vulnerable pedestrians. They need to rely on accurate information at all times when crossing the street. It's key to ensure their safety.
If you need to add accessible pedestrian signals at an intersection, you need to be properly engineer the locations of:
' Pushbuttons,
' Tactile arrows,
' Speakers.
And that's purely because their respective roles are key to providing blind and visually impaired pedestrians with accessible and usable information.
Ask yourself the right questions
When retrofitting intersections, you may need to consider the location of existing poles and the possible addition of new poles to position the accessible pedestrian signal close to the crosswalk.
' Should an accessible pedestrian signal be installed at an existing intersection?
' How best to implement it taking into account the sidewalk environment?
' What's the existing wiring?
' Can it match the wiring needs of the manufacturer's accessible pedestrian signals?
' Does the pushbutton comply with the MUTCD and Proposed PROWAG regarding its location?
' What about the pole position?
' Can the pushbuttons for two crossings on the same corner be separated by at least 10 feet?
' Is the speaker closer to the corresponding crosswalk than it is to another crosswalk?
' Is the pushbutton located adjacent to a level all-weather surface?
' Is the pedestrian access route to the pushbutton obstacle-free?
' Can the pushbutton be easily used by a wheelchair user?
' Is the existing pole in a 'poor' location? If yes, can a stub pole be installed? Or are other poles a better option?
' Are tones or speech messages necessary depending on the pushbutton or pole location?
Be aware that if two pushbuttons need to be installed on the same pole then speech messages are indeed required for the WALK indication.
For sure, the installation designer needs to go on site and visit the intersection to better understand the issues its retrofitting may lead to:
' What poles can I use to install an accessible pedestrian signal?
' Where exactly will I install it?
This type of knowledge is also helpful for manufacturers. The more information they're going to get on the intersection, the better they'll be able to determine the features the accessible pedestrian signal needs.
Speaking of features, you may also need to consider audible beaconing. But as we've stated earlier, it may not be necessary at some intersections. Please refer to this section: 'What laws and regulations do you need to follow regarding APS? | The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices'.
And most of all, ask yourself if audible beaconing is the right solution for the retrofitted intersection or if it would cause too much confusion for the visually impaired.
Adjust to the situation
What can you do when you can't install an accessible pedestrian signal at the recommended location? How can you make sure to minimize ambiguity and confusion for pedestrians?
In cases of retrofitted intersections, you have 3 options to ponder upon:
' Reposition pedestrian signals and poles or add stub poles and associated conduit and wiring,
' Install two accessible pedestrian signals on the same pole with speech messages,
' Install speakers mounted on the pedestrian signal head for blind and visually impaired pedestrians to locate the WALK tone speakers as near to the corresponding crosswalk as possible.
Reposition pedestrian signals and poles or add stub poles
This means undertaking major refurbishment works. But this can be done more easily when adding APS is actually part of the upgrading of the curb ramp.
It can be seen as killing two birds with one stone as this would favor visually impaired and mobility impaired pedestrians.
For this to work, you need to position speakers and pushbuttons on poles that are located close to the crosswalk.
Depending on the locations, adding stub poles can be quite easy. But you need to be careful about the wiring requirements. Indeed they can differ according to the jurisdictions.
Install two accessible pedestrian signals on the same pole
As you've gathered by now, this situation isn't acceptable at newly constructed intersections. Nor is it usually so at retrofitted ones. But in certain cases, this may represent your only choice.
Seeing that two pushbuttons are also on the same pole, the speakers need to be located as close as possible to the pedestrian waiting location. Follow other recommendations:
' Implement a speech WALK message for the visually impaired pedestrians to know which street has the WALK indication,
' Install a pushbutton information message and a tactile arrow. Both elements help pedestrians know the direction of the crosswalk associated with the pushbutton and the name of the street to be crossed.
Providing pedestrians with the name of the street through the pushbutton information message lifts any ambiguity they may have. Indeed, the name of the street broadcasted in the WALK message may be too ambiguous to those who aren't familiar with the intersection.
Install speakers mounted on the pedestrian signal head
In a situation where the existing pole isn't close enough to the crosswalk location, you can install pedhead mounted speakers. Their goal is to provide pedestrians with audible information.
This means that everything relies on the WALK information. Even when the pushbutton and the pole can't be repositioned, pedhead mounted speakers may guide blind and visually impaired pedestrians to the crosswalk location.
But such installation has its imperfections. Concerning tactile arrows and signs, it may not be the best location. That's why if you implement a pushbutton, it needs to have a locator tone and a tactile arrow.
Pedhead mounted speakers can aim at 2 possible directions:
' Towards the beginning of the crosswalk to help blind and visually impaired pedestrians locate it more easily,
' Towards the center of the street when audible beaconing is needed to guide pedestrians while crossing.
Don't forget to take into account the volume of the accessible pedestrian signals according to the characteristics of the intersection and the needs of people with vision disabilities who use it.
And also meteorological issues like high winds. In places where high winds are common, it's best to mount the speakers directly to the metal pole. Indeed, speakers mounted on plastic pedhead tend to crack off when there are high winds.
Work closely with the manufacturer
You need to know the devices your manufacturer designs and engineers: features, settings, wiring' And the manufacturers you work with will also ask you to be specific about the intersections you want to install accessible pedestrian signals at.
What kind of information does the manufacturer need to know? We have a whole list you can provide him with to best help him assess your needs regarding accessible pedestrian signals:
' Type of WALK indication (tone or speech message),
' Name of the street (for the speech WALK indication),
' Extended button press function (if it's necessary, make sure you also provide additional information: pushbutton information message, louder WALK indication'),
' Use of vibrotactile arrow,
' Use of pushbutton information message,
' Text for pushbutton information message,
' Information on audible, visual and/or tactile feedback of pushbutton activation,
' Orientation of tactile arrow for each APS unit,
' Text to be written in Braille on pushbutton or informational sign,
' Type of mounted pole (wood or metal),
' Location of control unit,
' Settings for WALK indication volume and locator tone volume (minimum and maximum and amount over ambient for both),
' Electrical operating requirements (voltage'),
' Wiring requirements (number of wired, gauge'),
' Operating temperature range,
' Built-in WALK/DON'T WALK conflict detection,
' Warranty duration and coverage,
' Potential need for follow-up support and assistance from the manufacturer.
Of course, you may not need to use all of the elements above. It all depends on the intersection you're working on.
Be aware that the drawings of the intersection may also be helpful for you and the manufacturer. You can easily visualize the crosswalks, pushbutton and speaker locations as well as the angle if you opt for pedhead mounted speakers.
Know the necessary wiring of APS devices
For pushbutton-integrated APS, you need additional wires to the pushbutton. That's because some accessible pedestrian signals with actuation indicators may need to receive an actual signal from the controller to notify that the call has been accepted.
But again, it depends on the manufacturer and the type of APS device so be careful about the requirements you need to meet.
Take into account the control board of the accessible pedestrian signal
The control board can be within the APS device or mounted in the pedhead. But in other cases, it can even require a control unit mounted in the controller cabinet.
As its name suggests, the control board enables you to control the volume of the accessible pedestrian signal, its microphone and other features it may have.
Be aware that some pedheads may not have the appropriate space for you to install a control board for the accessible pedestrian signal. You can either replace them or explore one of these options:
' The manufacturer can provide you with a separate case for the control board,
' It's possible for you to mount the control board in the signal controller but you need to take into account the wiring requirements.
Position the vibrotactile arrow
As you know by now, the vibrotactile arrow helps blind and visually impaired pedestrians confirm the audible WALK indication. It provides them with WALK signal information. Therefore, it's key for pushbutton-integrated accessible pedestrian signals.
The vibrotactile arrow needs to be installed within the width of the crosswalk or very near it and near the curb line. The arrow needs to indicate the direction of the crossing. It must be oriented parallel to the direction of travel on the crosswalk.
Depending on the device selected, you either can position the vibrotactile arrow directly when you install it on the pole or you can specify the direction of the arrow when ordering the devices from the manufacturer.
Keep in mind that the direction of the arrow depends on the pole location. That's why knowing the topography of the intersection and all its aspects at your fingertips is important.
Adapt to the poles on the intersection
If you plan to install a pushbutton-integrated APS on a wooden pole, then you need a mounting bracket for wiring it. This bracket is to be ordered with the accessible pedestrian signal.
Seeing that nails and staples can hurt the visually impaired who run their fingers on poles to actuate the pushbutton, make sure to set up a shield for the pole area near the pushbutton.
Focus on the microphones and speakers
If the accessible pedestrian signal has an automatic sound adjustment feature, then it means it also has microphones. They monitor the ambient sound which permits to adjust the volume of the APS according to the sound levels they receive.
Seeing that the microphones feed on the sound ambient of the intersection, they can't be mounted too far from it. Otherwise, they won't be able to properly adjust the volume levels and pedestrians won't be able to clearly hear the WALK indication while at the curb.
As for the speakers of an accessible pedestrian signal, they are either pedhead-mounted or pushbutton-integrated. But if audible beaconing is the right feature for an intersection, you can have a speaker at the pedhead and one at the pushbutton location. This way, the audible beaconing signal is optimized.
To be more precise, in a regular case, that is to say when audible beaconing is not necessary, the speakers of a pedhead-mounted accessible pedestrian signal should point down toward the location of pedestrians waiting to cross.
It enables them to properly hear the audible information. Plus it helps minimize noise in the neighborhood.
Get to know other types of devices
In some northwestern states, you may have encountered H-frame devices for pushbuttons. This type of device doesn't meet the guidelines of the MUTCD as the arrow of the accessible pedestrian signal in the H-frame may not properly be oriented. Due to its design, pedestrians may have difficulties hearing the locator tone.
Be careful as to what is acceptable with H-frame devices and accessible pedestrian signals.
Whenever you're undertaking installation or retrofitting works, make sure to provide all categories of pedestrians with an obstacle-free and accessible route.
How to Maintain Pedestrian Accessibility When Carrying Out Street Works?
There are easy systems to implement within your reach to ensure blind and visually impaired pedestrians remain safe at all times.
Speaking of pedestrian safety, check out this article on shared streets:
How to Make Shared Streets Truly Shared By All?
You'll see that the concept of 'comfort zone' can also apply in this situation. It's all about conceiving shared streets taking into account the needs of vulnerable pedestrians from the very beginning.
If there are no accessible pedestrian signals in shared streets, you can find some in complete streets. Its concept is similar. The difference resides in the importance given to car users.
With complete streets, cars and public transit overcome other types of road users. But of course, pedestrians are still present including the blind and visually impaired.
That's why accessible pedestrian signals need to be taken into consideration from the conception of a complete street.
Accessibility Toolkit: When Complete Streets Help People with Disabilities
Other innovative features for accessible pedestrian signals
Blind and visually impaired people aren't the only ones that can be in danger when getting around by foot. The number of pedestrians having accidents keeps rising due to the overuse of smartphones that monopolize their attention.
Pedestrians then become 'smombies', a word combining 'smartphone' and 'zombie'. Around 85% of Americans possess a smartphone which gives us an idea of the extent of the phenomenon.
Accidents caused by smombies have become so frequent in the world that some cities have already undertaken drastic measures to prevent them: ban on using a smartphone while walking, sidewalks reserved for smombies, warning lights on the ground' These are just a few examples of existing initiatives.
In France, at the Aristide Briand intersection in Mantes-la-Jolie (in the Parisian suburbs), the accessible pedestrian signals aBeacon can actually alert distracted pedestrians when they're getting closer to the crossing.
Thanks to the app AMY, developed by the RATP (Autonomous Parisian Transportation Administration), pedestrians are alerted with a visual notification, a sound or a vibration as soon as they're getting ready to cross the street when the pedestrian signal is red.
The principle is simple: the speakers of the accessible pedestrian signals continuously broadcast ultrasounds throughout the entire duration of the 'DON'T WALK' signal. The microphone of the smartphones equipped with the app AMY receives these ultrasounds thus permitting to alert smombies.
Consequently, accessible pedestrian signals aren't just reserved for blind and visually impaired people but can also be used by all types of pedestrians.
The history of traffic lights and accessible pedestrian signals
You know what function accessible pedestrian signals have, who they help and how to install them. But do you know when they were invented?
For that, traffic lights were first needed.
Get ready for a bumpy road! A road that started in in England'
The invention of traffic lights
The world's first traffic light was installed at Parliament Square in London. It consisted of two mobile signs that were attached to pivoting arms. They were operated by a lever. A gas-lit semaphore at the top of the post made it visible by users.
After two months of service, this traffic light exploded, thus killing the police officer who manipulated the signs.
We had to wait for electricity for another shot at traffic lights.
This time, Cleveland in the U.S. was the designated trial zone. The state used the first dual-colored traffic light in .
Then in , Detroit and New York set up yellow between red and green. This type of traffic light set up the norm for traffic lights throughout the world.
As we go through the years, more regulations emerged for traffic lights. In , pedestrian signals as we know them now appeared: WAIT signal in red and WALK signal in green.
You can read our full article to know more about all the stages of the invention of traffic lights:
-: a Brief History of Traffic Lights
The invention of accessible pedestrian signals
Where were APS in all of this? It turns out we need to go back to Cleveland in . The first traffic lights that were installed happened to emit an audio signal.
But its purpose was to alert road users that the lights were changing as they weren't accustomed to it yet. This means that blind and visually impaired people weren't considered at the time.
They had to wait until to benefit from the first acoustic traffic signals. They used a bell or ringing sound to signal the green phase of the traffic lights.
If at first audible traffic signals were installed close to schools for blind and visually impaired people, in the s and s they gradually spread everywhere.
One of the major changes that occurred in the s was the setting up of a button on the post to activate the acoustic traffic signals. Before that, they were constantly on, causing as you can imagine a deafening noise pollution for residents, pedestrians and road users alike.
From the very beginning, it was obvious that blind and visually impaired people struggle to locate the crossing and find the post. That's the reason why pushbuttons had 'locator beeps'.
They can be seen as the ancestor of the locator tone. At the time though, they could only be heard close by.
Now we have pushbuttons with a vibrotactile arrow that gives pedestrians the direction of travel and actuate accessible pedestrian signals.
But more importantly, the system keeps evolving with on demand and remote activation. We saw earlier that aBeacon represents an innovative APS system.
It can be activated with either a remote control or a smartphone app. This can answer the biggest issue of blind and visually impaired people: locating the crossing.
At Okeenea, we've always focused on meeting the needs of the blind and visually impaired. We're proud to have invented the APS aBeacon and to have implemented the current accessible pedestrian signal system in France. A system that helps around 1.5 million people with visual impairments cross the street with autonomy and safety.
This enables us to take a world tour to discover what type of accessible pedestrian signals other countries use and how they work.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS): a Century of Change
Accessible pedestrian signals across the world
As we saw, accessible pedestrian signals were developed the same way across many countries: a sound is emitted during the entire green phase, that is to say when pedestrians are allowed to cross the street.
But every country has its specificities.
Are Accessible Pedestrian Signals Required in Your Country?
APS in France
We mentioned it in our previous section: our company Okeenea, when it was called EO Guidage, invented accessible pedestrian signals in .
Today, France still uses this system and technology. We have become the leader of audio signage in the country.
Their APS are composed of a circuit board connected to a radio receiver to activate them and of a speaker for sound broadcasting.
This circuit board can directly be integrated inside the pedestrian signal or in an external control unit fixed at the traffic light pole.
Just like with aBeacon, blind and visually impaired pedestrians can use a remote control or a smartphone app to trigger the accessible pedestrian signals.
They don't use the pushbutton like in the United States. Consequently, they can activate the APS on demand when they're getting closer to an intersection in order to find their bearings.
They rely on sound information to know where the crossing begins exactly. Then, when it's up to them to cross the intersection, the accessible pedestrian signals are on during the entire green phase. Some of the intersections have a guiding sound corridor to help them easily get across the intersection.
The pushbutton is used by other categories of pedestrians to signal their need to cross the street.
APS in Australia
Accessible pedestrian signals in Australia have been developed from the s. They are installed in zones where traffic is dense as a priority.
The APS are actuated with a pushbutton located on the traffic lights pole. The poles are put up at direct proximity of the crosswalks, at the opposite of the middle of the crossing. The speakers are turned towards the crossing line. The alignment of the poles, associated with the direction of the speakers, creates a guiding sound corridor.
The casing with the pushbutton is equipped with a tactile arrow pointing towards the direction of the crossing. It also vibrates when the pedestrian signal turns green. The pushbutton emits a location beep that enables blind and visually impaired pedestrians to locate it.
The volume of the indications is subjugated to the ambient sound. A sound at the beginning of the green phase is emitted at 14 dB(A) above the volume of the sound indicating the green phase.
The big advantage of the Australian accessible pedestrian signals for visually impaired pedestrians is their automatic setting up on the external line of the crosswalk, between 0,50 m and 1 m of the curb. This helps pedestrians locate the APS and improves their trajectory all along the crossing thanks to the direction of the sound.
Check out what Australia's neighbor has implemented for their blind and visually impaired pedestrians:
City of Christchurch in New Zealand Sets Out Good Example to Help Blind People Cross the Street Safely
APS in Sweden
The accessible pedestrian signals appeared in Sweden in the s and have been developed a lot in city centers. In areas less populated, their installation depends on the request of users.
In Sweden, there's no regulation concerning the audible pedestrian signals. However, there's a certain cohesion between the systems installed on the territory.
Most Swedish APS emit a regular tick-tock that speeds up during the pedestrian green phase. This sound is continuously broadcasted in order to both locate the pole and get information about the color of the traffic lights.
Usually, pedestrian signals are located on the external line of the crosswalk, at the opposite of the middle of the crossing, at around 0,5 m of the curb.
The volume is adapted to the ambient sound. Most crossings are short, separated with pedestrian islands automatically equipped with pedestrian signals. A tactile arrow located on the pole indicates the direction of the crossing. The direct proximity of the pole with the crosswalk, always on the same side, enables users to clearly make out the source of the pedestrian signal and to cross without any ambiguity.
APS in Denmark
In Denmark, accessible pedestrian signals can mostly be found in city centers and business districts. In less frequented areas, they're installed at the request of organizations for visually impaired people.
Denmark's particularity is that the country has a lot of very busy bikeways. They often are slightly raised compared to the pavement. Specific audible signals are installed to cross bikeways.
Traditionally, the audible signal is broadcasted with a speaker located at a height of approximately 1 m. But since the s, more and more accessible pedestrian signals are equipped with a pushbutton that can be found thanks to a locator tone and with a speaker up high, turned towards the line of the crosswalk.
There's a national regulation that defines the technical characteristics of accessible pedestrian signals. The sound indicating that pedestrians can cross the street looks like the locator tone but it's 5 times faster. Its volume is automatically subjugated to the ambient sound. According to the norm, the locator tone must be heard at 3 m of the pole.
Having a coherence for the setting up of the poles is essential in Denmark. They can't be located at more that 0,6 m of the curb and at more than 0,3 m of the external line of the crosswalk.
If there are no visual indicators at this location, specific poles for the accessible pedestrian signals are installed to make sure blind and visually impaired pedestrians can find their bearings.
Like in Sweden, a simplified tactile map of the crossing is usually available on the traffic lights pole and an in relief bar indicates the direction of travel.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit traffic light countdown timer.
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