"HOW DO 'PEDESTRIAN' SIGNALS WORK?"

A pedestrian signal allows a safe way for pedestrians to cross the street at signalized intersections. The pedestrian signal, when activated, provides time for the pedestrian to enter the street on the steady "WALK" signal and finish crossing the street on the flashing "DON'T WALK" SIGNAL. The pedestrian signal is activated by a pedestrian detector push-button, which causes the traffic signal controller to operate a preprogrammed timed sequence of steady "WALK" and flashing DON'T WALK" indications.

Pedestrian signal indications consist of "WALK" and "DON'T WALK" signals or international symbols displaying a person walking for the "WALK" indication and a hand for the "DON'T WALK" indication. The "WALK" or person walking symbol is displayed in white and the "DON'T WALK" or hand symbol is displayed in Portland orange.

The pedestrian signal sequence begins when the "WALK" indication is illuminated. This sequence should be at least 4 to 7 seconds long and allows enough time to leave the curb and begin crossing the street before the clearance interval begins. At locations where large numbers of pedestrians are crossing a longer "WALK" interval may be warranted.

The pedestrian clearance interval consists of a flashing "DON'T WALK" indication. During this interval the pedestrian should complete his crossing, however; he should not begin crossing on the flashing "DON'T WALK" signal. The clearance interval timing is based on the street width divided by 4 feet per second walking time. If elderly pedestrians are using the crossing it is recommended that the walk speed be reduced to 3.5 feet per second. The distance is measured across the street - from the curb on the near side to the center of the last lane on the far side of the street.

The "DON'T WALK" indication, steadily illuminated, means that a pedestrian should not enter the street in the direction of the pedestrian signal.

The design requirements for a pedestrian signal require that a pedestrian signal be mounted at least 7 feet, but no higher than 10 feet, above the sidewalk. The pedestrian signal shall be so positioned and adjusted as to provide maximum visibility to the pedestrian. The pedestrian detector push-button is usually found on the pole under the pedestrian signal head that faces the crossing direction. A sign shall be mounted above the detector unit explaining its purpose and the positioning of the push-button should clearly indicate which crosswalk signal is activated by each push-button.

WARNING:- Both pedestrians and drivers must be particularly alert while pedestrians are crossing, especially when "Right turn on Red" movements are allowed.