Pedestrian “Hybrid” Beacons — How They Work
by Stephen Cohen
The first one in our neighborhood went up on Monroe near Piedmont. Now there is one on 10th opposite The Children’s School. There are more on the way. Because they are relatively new and unfamiliar, many motorists are confused by them, especially when the red is sometimes solid and sometimes flashing.
The whole purpose of these crossings is to safely stop motorists only when needed. Here’s how it works:
1. When a pedestrian pushes the button, a flashing yellow light advises drivers to prepare to STOP. After 3 seconds, the flashing yellow becomes solid.
2. Next comes the solid red, signaling drivers to come to a complete stop. At the same time, a “Walk” symbol is displayed on the pedestrian signal, telling pedestrians that it is okay to cross the street.
3. Next comes the flashing red for the motorists. While it is flashing, there is a countdown for the pedestrians that displays the exact time allotted for crossing. During the flashing red, drivers should treat the crosswalk as a stop sign, by coming to a full stop; and if the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians the motorists can advance through the intersection. (This is the part that many motorists do not understand and they sometimes remain stopped unnecessarily). Remember, the whole point is to minimize the interruption of traffic flow while keeping pedestrians safe.
4. Once the countdown is complete, the lights go dark, allowing vehicles to proceed through the intersection without interruption.
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