Pedestrian Signal Safety - AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

SURVEY RESULTS
A total of 150 pedestrians were surveyed in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, including 16
pedestrians 65 and older. Pedestrians were intercepted after they completed their crossing at
countdown-equipped intersections and asked if they would like to participate in a brief survey on
pedestrian safety. Pedestrians were asked if they noticed anything different about crossing at this
intersection than at similar intersections in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. A follow-up question
confirmed that the difference noted was the countdown signal. Ninety-three (approximately 62
percent) of the pedestrians noticed the PCD signals.
All surveyed pedestrians were asked to explain the meaning of the countdown indication.
Approximately 93 percent (140 out of 150) provided a satisfactory explanation of the countdown
indication. Of those pedestrians who had a preference regarding the use of TPS or countdown
signals, only 25 percent preferred PCD signals. However, approximately 75 percent of all pedestrians
surveyed indicated that the PCD signal was helpful in crossing the street safely. Many of those
surveyed who preferred the traditional signal noted that the PCD signal did not provide enough time
to cross.
EFFECT OF CHANGING WALKING SPEEDS ON PEDESTRIAN CLEARANCE TIMES
Table D-10 displays the required pedestrian signal times for different walking speeds and the time
available for that movement at each of the intersections studied. Table D-10 presents the ˝symbol
where the total pedestrian signal time exceeded the available minimum green time. Key findings
related to pedestrian WALK clearance time durations for the case study intersections included:
• The pedestrian intervals exceeded the available green times for the 3.00 ft./sec. scenario in
four of four crosswalks.
• It should be noted that if this jurisdiction used the 7-sec. [minimum] WALK time recommended
in the 2003 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), of instead of
the policy-based 12-sec. WALK time used by the City of Minneapolis, the available green time
would be adequate at 3.00 ft./sec. The City’s use of a greater minimum WALK time interval in
this case implies a proactive policy to provide greater level of service (LOS) to pedestrians.
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