2005 State of Mobility Report - City of Bellevue

CHAPTER 7: Safety
More Information, More Safety for Pedestrians
Bellevue has recently begun to use a new technology
at pedestrian crossings – the Pedestrian Countdown
Signal.
Pedestrian Countdown Signals increase the amount of
information the city provides pedestrians to better help
them complete signalized crossings. During the “flashing
Don’t Walk” portion of the crossing, the signal
now displays the amount of time remaining before the
pedestrian crossing phase terminates. This information
not only lets pedestrians know how much crossing time
remains, it also helps pedestrians better understand the
meaning of the “flashing Don’t Walk” portion of the
pedestrian crossing signal. The “flashing Don’t Walk”
indicates that the crossing signal will be changing, and
if the pedestrian is not already in the crosswalk, he should not leave the curb. By displaying the time remaining
for the crossing, the meaning of the “flashing Don’t Walk” is more intuitive to pedestrians.
The Pedestrian Countdown Signal has recently been approved for use throughout the country. Studies have
shown that the use of this technology results in a better understanding of pedestrian crossing signals, as well as
a higher percentage of successful crossings (crossings completed within the time allotted and before conflicting
traffic gets a green light).
Bellevue installed its first Pedestrian Countdown Signals in late 2005 at two signalized intersections in the
Factoria area: Factoria Blvd and SE 38th St, and Factoria Blvd and SE 40th Lane. In addition, Pedestrian
Countdown Signals were installed at NE 6th Street and 110th Ave NE, next to Bellevue City Hall and
the Bellevue Transit Center. The Transportation Department plans to continue installation of this new
technology at signalized intersections, with an emphasis on the Downtown area, as funding becomes
available.
By maintaining high program standards, aggressively
working to comply with a variety of state and
federal regulations, and developing innovative
solutions to challenges that arise, the City will
continually enhance the safety of Bellevue’s
transportation system.
2005 State of Mobility Report Chapter 7 61