Pedestrian Signal Safety - AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

Walking Speeds
The project team measured the crossing distance at each crosswalk from the edge of the curb in
the middle of the marked crosswalk. This distance was considered the crossing distance at each
intersection. The trained observers viewed the videos and used a stopwatch to determine the
crossing time for each pedestrian. This was the time for the pedestrian to leave the curb on one
side and reach the curb on the other side. This time was divided into the crossing distance to obtain
walking speed in ft./sec. Pedestrians who left the influence area of the crosswalk (within 2 to 3 ft. of
the edge of the crosswalk) during their crossing were excluded from the analysis. Joggers also were
excluded from the analysis. However, pedestrians who started running to complete their crossing
were not excluded.
Additionally, measurements of pedestrians with discernable vision or mobility impairments were
identified. Examples included pedestrians who walked with a cane or were assisted by service
animals. These measurements were not grouped by age.
Start-Up Time
Pedestrians who approached the intersection during the steady DW interval and waited for the WALK
interval were observed to determine their start-up lost time. This is the time from when the WALK
indication is displayed on the pedestrian signal until the pedestrian leaves the curb and starts his or
her crossing. This start-up time is related to the pedestrian’s reaction to the signal timing. However,
there could be other factors, such as turning vehicles still in the intersection, that may cause a
pedestrian to delay his or her start across the intersection. No distinction was made between those
who waited for turning vehicles and those who simply did not react to the signal as quickly.
Pedestrian start-up times were measured from the videotapes of pedestrian activity at one
intersection in each jurisdiction. Pedestrian start-up was measured as the time from when the WALK
interval was illuminated until the pedestrian stepped from the curb to the roadway.
Signal Compliance
The project team recorded pedestrian compliance to the pedestrian signal indication. Trained
observers reviewed the tapes of pedestrian behavior for each intersection and recorded the number
of pedestrians entering the intersection during the WALK, FDW, and steady DW indication during two
hours of peak vehicle activity. Observations were recorded during the 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.
PEDESTRIAN SURVEYS
A pedestrian survey was developed to gauge pedestrian preference for signal type and to determine
if pedestrians understood the meaning of the PCD signals. The survey is included as Appendix
B. 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. A follow-up question confirmed that the difference noted was the countdown
signal. All surveyed pedestrians were asked to explain the meaning of the countdown indication and if
they had a preference in pedestrian signals.
47