Pedestrian Signal Safety - AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

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Observations were recorded for pedestrians at the minor approach of University and Snelling. Based
on a sample of 100 younger pedestrians, younger pedestrians had a start-up time of 2.10 sec. at this
crossing. Based on a sample of 19 older pedestrians at the same crossing, older pedestrians had a
start-up time of 2.90 sec. This is a difference of 0.80 sec.
Compliance
Pedestrians at each intersection were observed during two hours of peak vehicle and pedestrian
activity using the PATH system. For each pedestrian, observers recorded the pedestrian signal
indication (WALK, FDW, or DW) that was displayed when the pedestrian entered the intersection.
Observations were recorded separately for younger pedestrians and those 65 and older.
Observations were recorded during the three hours of peak vehicle activity because vehicle volumes
at intersections likely affect pedestrian compliance to the signal. This is related to the opportunity to
cross. That is, at an intersection with low vehicle volume, pedestrians are more likely to violate the
pedestrian signal because there are more available crossing gaps.
Pedestrians Under 65
Table D-6 shows the frequency and percentage of younger pedestrians entering during each signal
indication for two intersections equipped with TPS.
Table D-6. Frequency and percentage of younger pedestrians entering during the WALK, flashing
DON’T WALK, or DON’T WALK indication at traditional signals in Minneapolis and St. Paul,
Minnesota.
Intersection Leg
WALK FDW DW
Frequency Percent Frequency Percent Frequency Percent
Lyndale and
Franklin
(traditional)
Major
Minor
80
52
84
63
14
7
15
9
1
23
1
28
University and
Hamline
(traditional)
Major
Minor
8
21
44
75
3
5
17
18
7
2
39
7
Total at traditional
signals
161 72 29 13 33 15
The compliance for younger pedestrians at traditional signals varied from 44 percent to 84 percent
entering during the WALK indication. When the four intersection legs were considered together, 72
percent entered during the WALK indication.
Table D-7 shows the frequency and percentage of younger pedestrians entering during each signal
indication for the two intersections equipped with PCD signals. As with the traditional intersections,
the compliance varied by intersection and leg from 36 percent to 76 percent. The combined
percentage was slightly lower (62 percent) than at traditional signals.