Why aren’t pedestrian traffic light signals automatic?

by Drivers Utilities on May 5, 2010

This is one of my biggest pet peeves when I’m out walking, that if you don’t hit the crosswalk button BEFORE the light changes, it usually doesn’t change, even if there’s ample time. Let’s say there’s 30 seconds to cross, and you get there 5 seconds late and push the button…despite there being 25 seconds left, it won’t go. Sometimes I just chance it and jaywalk when that happens just ’cause I don’t wanna sit there and wait for it to cycle back.

Ranting aside though, were they just not equipped or updated with the technology? Are they not synchronized with the drivers’ lights, explaining why it doesn’t just change automatically to a “walk” signal along with a green light?

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Tagged as: aren't, automatic, light, pedestrian, signals, traffic

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Transpoman May 5, 2010 at 3:42 am

It depends upon how the traffic signal controller is configured. A traffic signal operates on a constant cycle (i.e., 90 seconds) with different phases (i.e, NB&SB Lefts, NB/SB, EB/WB). If you arrive during the middle of your phase, you’ll have to wait until the next cycle to be able to call the pedestrian phase by pressing the push button. Other traffic signals always show the pedestrian each cycle (such as in New York City) or may even have a Barnes dance (all-pedestrian phase).

There are actuated traffic signals with detectors for vehicles (usually inductance loops in the pavements) that can skip phases or reduce the length of phases if there are no vehicles there. Using technology to automatically detect the presence of pedestrians (such as by using lasers) would likely be cost prohibitive.

hondab16tuner May 5, 2010 at 4:31 am

Everywhere I’ve been they are automatic and set to change with the traffic lights. I have not seen a button in my state, or any close for about 4-5 years.

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