SOME THOUGHTS CONCERNING PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS

This paper briefly describes the evolution of pedestrian crosswalks in the city of Toronto since they were first introduced over 25 years ago. The authors argue that "passive" crosswalks are becoming less effective with the introduction of pedestrian-activated crosswalks with flashing lights or traffic signals. Where drivers previously looked for signs of walking pedestrians, they are now becoming conditioned to respond only to the surrogate flashing or red lights. The authors recommend that overall safety and service levels would be improved by the more universal application of demand-responsive systems, where the pedestrians announce their presence by activating overhead flashers or signs. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 807201.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)

  401-1111 Prince of Wales Drive
  Ottawa, Ontario  Canada 
• Authors:
  • Yagar, S
  • KAUFMAN, D
• Publication Date: 1988

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: C25-C31
• Serial:
  • RTAC 1988 ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
  • Publisher: Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Conferences; Crosswalks; Flashing traffic signals; Safety; Traffic signals; Urban areas
• Geographic Terms: Canada
• ITRD Terms: 8018: Canada; 8525: Conference; 514: Flashing light; 1659: Pedestrian crossing; 1665: Safety; 565: Traffic signal; 313: Urban area
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00487576
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1989 12:00AM