Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practices (Workshop Edition 2010) (2011)

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Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 47 Chapter 4: Features of APS CHAPTER SUMMARY Th is chapter provides a description of APS features, including WALK indications. Th e features currently available on APS marketed in the U.S. and abroad and their use by pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision are discussed. Intersection geometry, signalization and installation location can aff ect the features needed at a particular location to provide adequate unambiguous information to pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision. Poor installation can result in ambiguous WALK information from any APS. More information on designing installations and determining needed features is provided in Chapters 6 and 7. APS technology is changing rapidly and additional choices or features may become available. Th ose making purchasing decisions should consider the background information provided in this chapter when evaluating new technology. CHAPTER CONTENTS Criteria for WALK indications 49 Current recommendations for WALK indications 50 WALK indication — tones 52 WALK indication — speech messages 54 Vibrotactile WALK indication 56 Pushbutton locator tone 57 Tactile arrow 59 Automatic volume adjustment 61 Actuation indicator 63 Extended button press 64

48 Chapter 4: Features of APS Pushbutton information message 66 Audible beaconing 69 Alert tone 71 Tactile map 72 Braille signs 74 Raised print or large print signs 75 Passive pedestrian detection 76 Remote activation 77 Tones or audible messages during clearance interval 78 Integrated information devices 80

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 49 Criteria for WALK indications WALK INDICATION IS CRITICAL Th e WALK indication provides critical safety information. Th e WALK indication should be: • Readily detectable in the presence of ambient vehicular sound • Highly localizable • Uniquely recognizable as a WALK signal • Unambiguous with regard to which crosswalk has the WALK interval CRITERIA In the U.S., the MUTCD and Draft PROWAG currently provide some specifi c criteria for WALK interval indications: • Shall have audible and vibrotactile indications of the WALK interval. Audible indication shall be tone or speech message. (Draft PROWAG R306.2 Pedestrian Signals and R306.2.3 Audible WALK Indication) • Th e information provided “…shall clearly indicate which pedestrian crossing is served by each device.” (MUTCD 4E.06) • Th e audible tone(s) shall be audible from the beginning of the associated crosswalk. (MUTCD 4E.06) • Volume shall be 2 minimum and 5 db maximum above ambient noise level in standard operation (Draft PROWAG R306.2.3.2 Volume; MUTCD 4E.06) • Should be no louder than the associated pushbutton locator tone unless a louder audible beaconing feature is actuated (MUTCD 4E.06; Draft PROWAG Advisory R306.2.3.2 allows beaconing to exceed volume limits) • If the tone for the WALK interval is similar to the pushbutton locator tone, the WALK interval tone shall have a faster repetition rate than the associated pushbutton locator tone (MUTCD 4E.06) CAREFUL APS LOCATION IS ESSENTIAL Draft PROWAG requires APS to be located at the pushbutton (pushbutton- integrated) to enable use of the vibrotactile feature. Discussion in this chapter assumes that APS are integrated into the pushbutton, unless another mounting location is specifi cally discussed. Th ere are a number of APS available that meet the above listed criteria, however proper installation is also critical to their eff ective functioning. Chapter 6 discusses installation location requirements in detail.

50 Chapter 4: Features of APS Current recommendations for WALK indications AUDIBLE AND VIBROTACTILE INDICATIONS REQUIRED Audible (speech or tone) and vibrotactile indications of the WALK interval are required by Draft PROWAG. Th e MUTCD does not currently provide specifi cations of audible WALK indications except cautions about the use of tones that could be confused with birds or back-up beepers. WALK indications can be provided by use of • Tones, • Speech messages (also referred to as verbal messages), and/or • Vibrating surfaces More information about the use of each is provided on the following pages. Recent research recommends tones at locations where the speakers for APS for two diff erent directions can be separated. Speech messages are recommended where speakers must be located on the same pole or less than 10 feet apart. ASSOCIATING TONES WITH DIRECTION OF TRAVEL In the past in the United States, audible pedestrian signals have utilized two diff erent tones that are associated with two diff erent crossing directions broadcast from speakers mounted at the pedestrian signal head. Th e most common tones used were the bird sounds, specifi cally “cuckoo” and “cheep”, with the cuckoo used for north/south crosswalks, and the cheep for east/west crosswalks. However, research since 1988 has documented that such a system is often ambiguous and confusing (see Appendix C, page 14). USING A DIFFERENT TONE FOR EACH DIRECTION OF TRAVEL IS NO LONGER RECOMMENDED IN THE U.S. Use of a single tone for crossings in all directions In Europe and Australia, a single tone has been used successfully for years to indicate the WALK interval from speakers located at the pedestrian pushbutton. Th ere is some variability in the tones used. Typically, the tone for WALK is the same tone as the pushbutton locator tone, repeated at a faster repetition rate, usually about 10 times faster. Th e same tone is used for all crossing directions. A single tone works because the standardized location of the pushbutton-integrated speaker in relation to the crosswalk provides information about which crosswalk

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 51 has the WALK interval. Pedestrians are beside the appropriate APS when they are waiting to cross, normally within arm’s reach of the APS, and at some distance from the APS for another crosswalk. Speakers located in this manner are now included in the Access Board’s Draft PROWAG. See the Chapter 6 discussion of installation decisions for more about location of APS speakers and vibrotactile WALK indications.

52 Chapter 4: Features of APS WALK indication — tones DESCRIPTION A tone is provided during the WALK interval. Th e WALK indication of APS in the US has typically been provided by an audible signal such as a beep, buzz, percussive sound, or cuckoo/cheep. Current recommendations are that the tone used to indicate the WALK interval should be a ticking tone which repeats 8 to 10 times per second, otherwise known as a rapid tick. Th at tone is provided from the pedestrian pushbutton location. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Th e rapidly repeating tick tone (at least 8 times per second) has been found to result in faster response than verbal messages or a two-tone system (cuckoo/rapid tick). Errors in responding to the correct signal were also reduced by using the rapid tick tone, when two APS on a corner were separated by at least 10 feet and each was located close to the crosswalk it signaled. For information about the research on tones, see Appendix C. Th e WALK indication should also have a faster repetition rate than the pushbutton locator tone; MUTCD specifi es the repetition rate and duration of the pushbutton locator tone at once per second (see pushbutton locator tone, page 4-12). Tones consisting of multiple frequencies, high and low, with a large component at 880 Hz have been found to be highly detectable and localizable in the presence of traffi c sound. Frequencies above 1kHz are diffi cult for persons with age related upper-frequency hearing loss to detect. However for persons with normal hearing, the presence of multiple higher harmonics aids localization. WHEN TO USE An audible WALK indication is needed on any APS. Tone indications should be used where speakers are separated by adequate distance and located close to the crosswalk they serve, so it is clear which speaker is sounding. Generally, tone indications should be provided from pushbutton-integrated speakers, rather than from speakers mounted on pedestrian signal heads. REFERENCES Currently the MUTCD states: “When accessible pedestrian signals have an audible tone(s), they shall have a tone for the WALK interval. Th e audible tone(s) shall be audible from the beginning of the associated crosswalk. If the tone for the WALK

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 53 interval is similar to the pushbutton locator tone, the WALK interval tone shall have a faster repetition rate than the associated pushbutton locator tone.” (4E.06). Revisions to standards and guidance are anticipated in the 2009 edition of the MUTCD. Draft PROWAG provides information on tones: “R306.2.3.1 Tones. Tones shall consist of multiple frequencies with a dominant component at 880 Hz. Th e duration of the tone shall be 0.15 s. and shall repeat at intervals of 0.15 s..” It is expected that Draft PROWAG and MUTCD will be harmonized during upcoming revisions. Research has been completed on detectability and localizability of tones and use of two diff erent tones versus a single tone. See Appendix C for more information. HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Th e audible WALK indication provides a clear cue to the beginning of the pedestrian phase. Pedestrians will evaluate traffi c and the intersection, then listen for the WALK indication. After hearing the WALK indication, they typically check that traffi c has stopped and no cars are turning across their path before beginning their crossing.

54 Chapter 4: Features of APS WALK indication — speech messages DESCRIPTION A speech message is provided during the WALK interval, usually from a speaker located at the pushbutton. Th e message should follow the recommended model: “Maple, WALK sign is on to cross Maple.” Th e recommended message for an intersection with an exclusive pedestrian phase is “WALK sign is on for all crossings.” ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Th e speech WALK message must be detectable, localizable, recognizable, and must also be correctly understood by all users. Speech messages from pushbutton- integrated APS seem very user-friendly and have become popular in the U.S. market. However, the words and their meaning must be correctly understood by all users in the context of the street environment where they are used. Use of speech messages will not automatically solve all ambiguity problems. In even moderate traffi c conditions people who have age-related or other hearing losses, people who are not native English speakers, and people with cognitive disabilities are likely to miss hearing or to misunderstand some words, possibly resulting in misunderstanding entire messages. Model messages have been determined through research (see page 4-8 and Appendix C). Recommendations for word order and wording of the model messages should be strictly followed. Where complete sentences are used in the models, they should be used in actual messages for the same situations. In the model messages, such words as street, avenue and road are not used, however in some locations, they may be needed to avoid ambiguity. Pedestrians have to know the names of streets they are crossing in order for speech WALK messages to be unambiguous. In getting directions to travel to a new location, travelers do not always get the name of each street to be crossed. Th ey may only know that they have to cross four streets before looking for their destination. Th erefore, the APS has to give the user the name of the street controlled by the pushbutton. Th is can be done by means of a pushbutton information message during the fl ashing or steady DONT WALK intervals. See page 4-8 for a description of pushbutton information messages and recommended message wording. Th e user must then combine the information from the pushbutton information message or Braille label, the tactile arrow, and the speech WALK message in order to correctly respond to the speech WALK message. Information from all may be necessary to correctly identify the street and crossing interval at an unfamiliar

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 55 intersection. Th is complex process is much more cognitively demanding, and more liable to result in errors or delay than the use of a tone from a speaker located right beside the crosswalk. A speech and tone WALK indication may be combined (i.e. “Maple, WALK sign is on to cross Maple”) followed by rapid tick for the rest of the WALK interval. WHEN TO USE An audible WALK indication is needed on any APS. Speech WALK messages are recommended only where pushbutton speakers must be located on the same pole, or less than 10 feet apart. REFERENCES Draft PROWAG allows the WALK indication to be provided by speech messages but does not provide additional specifi cations. (R306.2.3) MUTCD 2003 provides minimal information regarding speech WALK messages. It states that: “When verbal messages are used to communicate the pedestrian interval, they shall provide a clear message that the WALK interval is in eff ect, as well as to which crossing it applies. Th e verbal message that is provided at regular intervals throughout the timing of the WALK interval shall be the term “WALK sign,” which may be followed by the name of the street to be crossed. (MUTCD 4E.06)” Revisions and additional language have been approved by the National Committee on Uniform Traffi c Control Devices and recommended for inclusion in the 2009 MUTCD. Th ese revisions incorporate recommended messages. Recent research evaluated localizability and detectability of speech messages, developed recommended message wording, and determined that response to speech messages was more accurate than responses to two diff erent tones, when pushbuttons were on the same pole (see Appendix C, page 16). HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Th e audible WALK indication provides a clear cue to the beginning of the pedestrian phase. Pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision will evaluate traffi c and the intersection, then listen for the WALK indication. After hearing the WALK indication, they typically check that traffi c has stopped and no cars are turning across their path before beginning their crossing.

56 Chapter 4: Features of APS Vibrotactile WALK indication DESCRIPTION Th e pushbutton or a raised arrow on the APS housing vibrates during the WALK interval. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Vibrotactile information is useful when pedestrians can be aligned and prepared for crossing while still keeping a hand on the APS. Th ose who are deaf or hard of hearing must also know where to fi nd the device since the pushbutton locator tone is not helpful. WHEN TO USE Th e vibrotactile indication of the WALK interval is needed at most locations and is required by Draft PROWAG. However, it is useful only when the device is located close to the crossing departure location. It is important to note that Draft PROWAG requires audible information in addition to vibrotactile indications of the WALK. Without specifi c training on the device, blind pedestrians may not fi nd or use the vibrotactile indication, particularly if it is not located on the actual pushbutton. REFERENCES MUTCD standard states that: “Vibrotactile pedestrian devices, where used, shall indicate that the WALK interval is in eff ect, and for which direction it applies, through the use of a vibrating directional arrow or some other means.” Guidance states that the devices should be adjacent to the intended crosswalk. (MUTCD 4E.06) Draft PROWAG (R306.2) requires a vibrotactile indication of the WALK interval at each crosswalk with pedestrian signal indications. HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Pedestrians will stand beside the pushbutton with their hand on the vibrating arrow while waiting to cross. Th e vibrotactile indication communicates to pedestrians who are deaf-blind that the WALK interval is in eff ect and may provide confi rmation of the WALK interval to pedestrians who are blind at a particularly noisy intersection. Figure 4-1. Pedestrian waiting to feel the vibrotactile WALK indication

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 57 Pushbutton locator tone DESCRIPTION A pushbutton locator tone is “A repeating sound that informs approaching pedestrians that they are required to push a button to actuate pedestrian timing and that enables pedestrians who have visual disabilities to locate the pushbutton.” (MUTCD 2003, 4E.09) Th e pushbutton locator tone is referred to by diff erent names in manufacturer’s brochures, including: • pole locator • locator signal • locator tone • locating tone • locator audible ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Pushbutton locator tones typically sound from the pushbutton during the fl ashing and steady DONT WALK intervals. Th e locator tone informs pedestrians of the need to push a button and provides an audible cue to the location of the pushbutton. During the street crossing the locator tone may be audible in the last lane and provide a cue to the direction of the destination. In available products, the pushbutton locator tone varies from a click sound to a beep tone. Repetition rate and length of tone are standardized by language in the MUTCD: “…pushbutton locator tones shall be easily locatable, shall have a duration of 0.15 seconds or less, and shall repeat at 1-second intervals.” (4E.09) Volume of this slowly repeating tone should be adjusted to be heard no more than 6 to 12 feet (2 to 4 meters) from the push button or at the building line, whichever is less (MUTCD 4E.09). Draft PROWAG states that the volume of the pushbutton locator tone is to be adjusted to between 2dB and 5dB above ambient sound levels in standard operation. (R306.3.2) Th ese requirements may appear to be in confl ict, however both can generally be met. Perceived loudness can vary, depending on the environment near the sound source. Both MUTCD and Draft PROWAG allow an increased volume of the locator tone to provide audible beaconing in response to a request (see sections on extended button press and audible beaconing). Th e pushbutton locator tone typically has automatic volume control. A microphone or sensing device is installed in the APS device or in the pedestrian signal head to monitor intersection sound levels and adjust the volume of the locator tone. Th is

58 Chapter 4: Features of APS technology is also used to adjust the volume of the WALK indication. Th e web page at www.walkinginfo,org/aps includes sample locator tones. WHEN TO USE Th e pushbutton locator tone can be useful whenever there is a pushbutton that a pedestrian should use. REFERENCES Draft PROWAG requires a pushbutton locator tone wherever there is a pushbutton (R306.3.2). MUTCD states that pushbutton locator tones may be used. (4E.09). Draft PROWAG and MUTCD have additional information regarding pushbutton locator tone volume, as discussed above. How used by pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision Pedestrians who are unfamiliar with an intersection will approach the intersection: • Upon hearing the locator tone, or two locator tones if there are two pushbuttons, will realize that there is a pushbutton for the crossing, • Will probably continue to the curb or curb ramp location, in order to become familiar with the corner, determine proper alignment, and become familiar with the intersection layout and sounds by listening to traffi c, • Return to the pushbutton locator tone that is believed to be the correct pushbutton for the crossing, if it is not within reach, and check that the tactile arrow alignment is parallel to the desired crosswalk, • Push the button and return to the curb to realign to cross the intersection, if necessary, • May repeat this process if the pedestrian phase begins before they are properly aligned to cross. • While crossing the street, the pushbutton locator tone for the APS on the opposite side of the street may be audible, allowing them to home in on the sound.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 59 Tactile arrow DESCRIPTION A raised (tactile) arrow may be part of the pushbutton as seen in Figure 4-2, above the pushbutton (Figure 4-3) or on top of the device (Fig 4-4) and is used to communicate to pedestrians which crosswalk is controlled by the pushbutton. Th e tactile arrow provides confi rmation that is similar to the printed sign and arrow which are commonly provided for pedestrians who are sighted. Th e arrow should contrast with its background. On most APS, this arrow also vibrates during the WALK interval. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION It is important that the arrow points in the direction of travel on the crosswalk, as it indicates which crosswalk is controlled by that pushbutton. Tactile arrows provide general alignment information for all pedestrians. However, it is important to note that tactile arrows do not seem to enable the extremely accurate alignment required for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. To align the arrow properly, the installer needs to understand that pedestrians are expecting the arrow to be aligned toward the destination across the street. Th e purpose is not to point toward the beginning of the crosswalk, or the curb ramp location. Misalignment of the arrow may direct a blind pedestrian into the center of the intersection. For arrows on the face of the device, the alignment is determined by the installation of the pushbutton on the pole. Arrows on the top of the pushbutton housing are typically glued into place after the pushbutton is installed and their alignment can be adjusted separately from the pushbutton. Figure 4-2. This APS has a high-contrast, raised tactile arrow on the pushbutton and a high- contrast, recessed tactile arrow on the sign above the button

60 Chapter 4: Features of APS WHEN TO USE Tactile arrows are recommended at all locations with an APS. REFERENCES Pushbuttons and arrows should be within 5 feet of the extended crosswalk lines, (MUTCD 4E.09), and aligned in the direction of pedestrian travel controlled by the pushbutton (MUTCD 4E.09; Draft PROWAG R306.4.1). Arrows should have good visual contrast with their background so that all users, including those with low vision, may see them readily (MUTCD 4E.09, Draft PROWAG R306.4.1). Draft PROWAG (306.4.1) provides specifi cations for the arrow: “…include a tactile arrow aligned parallel to the crosswalk direction. Th e arrow shall be raised 0.8 mm (.03 inch) minimum and shall be 4 mm (1.5 in) minimum in length. Th e arrowhead shall be open at 45 degrees to the shaft and shall be 33 percent of the length of the shaft. Stroke width shall be 10 percent minimum and 15 percent maximum of arrow length. Th e arrow shall contrast with the background.” How used by pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision Pedestrians who are blind use tactile arrows to determine and confi rm which crosswalk the pushbutton controls and the general direction of travel. Other clues from traffi c sounds are also used to confi rm alignment and crossing direction. Blind pedestrians typically proceed in as straight a line as possible from the pushbutton to the curb of the perpendicular street in the direction of the arrow. Th is means that the APS should be within or as close as possible to the crosswalk lines. Figure 4-3. The tactile arrow above the pushbutton on this APS is superimposed on a larger visual arrow Figure 4-4. The tactile arrow is located on top of this APS housing (note the lack of necessary color contrast between the arrow and housing)

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 61 Automatic volume adjustment DESCRIPTION Automatic volume adjustment is a term for volume control that is automatically responsive to ambient (background) sound. • A louder signal is produced when vehicle and other noise at an intersection is high (as during traffi c surge or when a truck is passing). • A quieter sound is produced when background noise volume is lower (as during night-time hours or lull in traffi c). • A microphone continuously samples the noise levels and varies the volume in response to the existing sound levels. Th e microphone may be incorporated into the pushbutton housing, or located at the pedestrian signal head. Automatic volume adjustment is also known as automatic gain control (AGC) or ambient sound adjustment. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Some signals can be pre-set to vary volume within particular ranges. Most signals with automatic volume control have a minimum limit placed at about 30 dB and a maximum limit at about 90 dB. Some APS allow the installer to set the range of the locator tone and the WALK indication separately; others have one setting for both. A signal that is 2-5 dB above ambient sound, as perceived at the departure curb, is loud enough to be heard by pedestrians waiting at that location. If the microphone is installed at the pedestrian signal head that is set back from the curb, the traffi c volume sensed by the microphone is not as loud as that perceived by pedestrians waiting at the curb. Th erefore, at each installation, the setting may need to be adjusted, depending on the location of the microphone in relation to pedestrians waiting to cross. Some APS have adjustments for microphone sensitivity as well as WALK indication and pushbutton locator tone volume. WHEN TO USE Automatic volume adjustment is recommended at all locations with APS.

62 Chapter 4: Features of APS REFERENCES MUTCD 4E.06: “Automatic volume adjustment in response to ambient traffi c sound level should be provided up to a maximum volume of 89 dBA. Where automatic volume adjustment is used, tones should be no more than 5 dBA louder than ambient sound.” Draft PROWAG R306.3.2 and R306.2.3.2 requires devices to be responsive to ambient sound. HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Automatic volume adjustment provides fl exibility and allows APS to adjust so they are not disturbing to neighbors at night or times of low traffi c volume. Th is is also helpful to blind or visually impaired pedestrians, as the APS does not drown out essential traffi c sounds necessary for crossing.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 63 Actuation indicator DESCRIPTION An actuation indicator is a light, a tone, a voice message, or a combination of audible and visual indicators that informs pedestrians that the button has been pressed and that their desire to cross has been communicated to the controller. Audible indicators include a click, beep, or the word ‘wait’ when the pushbutton is pushed. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If there is a light, it is at or near the pushbutton and remains illuminated until the WALK interval begins. Th e light is dark during the WALK and fl ashing DONT WALK intervals. A light may be helpful to persons with low vision, but persons who are blind require a tone. WHEN TO USE An audible indication is particularly useful to pedestrians who are blind when the pushbutton is a pressure-sensitive electromagnetic button which does not feel like it depresses. REFERENCES MUTCD 4E.08 refers to a pilot light and specifi es that the ”pilot light or other means of indication installed with a pedestrian pushbutton shall not be illuminated until actuation. Once it is actuated, it shall remain illuminated until the pedestrian’s green or WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) signal indication is displayed.” Activation indicators are not mentioned in Draft PROWAG. HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Th e indicator assures all pedestrians that the device is working, thereby encouraging pedestrians to wait until the onset of the WALK interval. Figure 4-5. A red actuation light is near located just above and to the left of the pushbutton Figure 4-6. A red actuation indicator light is illuminated directly above the pushbutton

64 Chapter 4: Features of APS Extended button press DESCRIPTION Extended button press is an option that actuates additional accessibility features. To activate the features, the pushbutton must be pushed and held for more than one second. Other names for this feature in manufacturers’ literature include: • BAT — Button actuated timer • Extended push ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Possible features called by the extended button press include: • pushbutton information message; • audible beaconing; and, • an extended crossing time. Any or all of these features would be called by pressing and holding the same button that is used by all pedestrians. Recent research (see Appendix C, page 27) has standardized the length of the button press at one second or longer. Some devices have previously been installed with a three-second press, but one second has been found to be adequate. WHEN TO USE Extended button press should be used whenever there are optional additional features provided at a crossing that should be available on ‘request’. REFERENCES Draft PROWAG R306.3.4 Optional Features permits an extended button press to activate additional features. MUTCD states that “Th e audible tone(s) may be made louder (up to a maximum of 89 dBA) by holding down the pushbutton for a minimum of 3 seconds.”(4E.09) Draft language changing the minimum length to one second has been approved by the NCUTCD, and is expected to appear in the 2009 revision of the MUTCD.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 65 HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Use will depend on the feature(s) called by the extended button press. See the section on audible beaconing, and pushbutton information message for further discussion of the use of those features. Th e intent is to allow individuals who are blind to have some choice in the use of the accessible features and to provide the optional features upon request by a person who is blind. As the extended button press feature is more commonly installed, it would be expected that pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired might hold the button longer at unfamiliar intersections in order to determine what features are installed and decide how they want to cross the street. Th e extended button press allows for installation of additional features which could be annoying or irritating to neighbors, that are activated only occasionally rather than every time the button is pressed. For example, individuals who are unfamiliar with an intersection can get intersection street name information (the pushbutton information message), but the message is not played every time the button is pressed. In addition, pedestrians can decide if they want all the possible accessible features at an intersection. For example, pedestrians may want to use audible beaconing only at certain times and with certain traffi c patterns.

66 Chapter 4: Features of APS Pushbutton information message DESCRIPTION A pushbutton information message is a recorded message that provides the name of the street and intersection with which that pushbutton is associated. It can also provide other information about the intersection signalization or geometry. Manufacturers refer to this feature by diff erent names, including: • Voice on location • Informational message • Verbal message • Additional message • Instructional/location message ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Th e pushbutton information message is provided from a speaker located at the pushbutton, during the fl ashing and steady DONT WALK intervals only. Th e message is intended to be audible when standing at the pushbutton location. Pedestrians may be required to press the pushbutton for more than one second (see extended button press) to access the additional verbal message. Th e pushbutton information message, in conjunction with the tactile arrow, can clarify street names and the crosswalk controlled and signaled by the device. Th is is particularly important if speech WALK messages are used. To be eff ective, the pushbutton information message must indicate which street is actuated by the pushbutton, and the arrow must point in the direction of travel on the described crosswalk. A message that includes only the intersection street names, without clarifying which street is actuated by the pushbutton, provides ambiguous information. See recommendations, below, for pushbutton message wording. A combination of information formats, raised characters, Braille, and audible information, will accommodate the most users. MESSAGE WORDING Pushbutton information messages should be developed according to the following models (Bentzen et al. 2002). See additional information in Appendix C. • Model pushbutton message: “Wait to cross Howard at Grand.”

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 67 • Model pushbutton message for intersections having an exclusive pedestrian phase with right turns-on-red prohibited: “Wait to cross Howard at Grand. Wait for red light for all vehicles” • Model pushbutton message for intersections having an exclusive pedestrian phase with right turns-on-red permitted: “Wait to cross Howard at Grand. Wait for red light for all vehicles. Right turn on red permitted.” • Model pushbutton message for angled crosswalks: “Wait to cross Howard at Grand. Crosswalk angles right.” • Model pushbutton message for crosswalks to medians where a second button push is required: “Wait to cross Howard at Grand. Short WALK phase. Raised [or cut-through] median with second pushbutton.” • Model pushbutton message for signalized crosswalks to splitter islands: “Wait to cross right turn lane to island for Howard and Grand crosswalks.” • Model pushbutton message for crosswalks at “T” intersections: “Wait to cross Howard at Grand.” (Not diff erent from standard intersection identifi cation message.) Use “Street,” “Avenue,” etc., where needed, to avoid ambiguity. Keep the word order illustrated in the above model messages. Some model messages have complete sentences for best comprehension. WHEN TO USE Pushbutton information messages are necessary where speech WALK messages are used. If pedestrians do not know the name of the street they are crossing, the speech WALK message does not clarify which street is being signaled. A pushbutton information message can be helpful in providing location information on demand to pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision. REFERENCES Th e MUTCD states that “pushbuttons should clearly indicate which crosswalk signal is actuated by each pushbutton”. (MUTCD 4E.08). Draft PROWAG R306.4.2 requires APS to include street name information in Braille or audible format. Pushbutton information messages can provide information about the street name. An APS pushbutton should not be used for landmark information or to inform pedestrians with visual impairments about detours or temporary traffi c control, according to recent research (Bentzen et al. 2002).

68 Chapter 4: Features of APS HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Pedestrians who are unfamiliar with an intersection, or who wish to confi rm their location, will: • Locate and depress the pushbutton for one second or more • Stand beside the pushbutton speaker to listen to the pushbutton information message • Push the button again, if desired, to hear the message repeated At a location with two pushbuttons on the same pole and speech WALK messages, it is particularly important that users understand and recognize the street name.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 69 Audible beaconing DESCRIPTION Audible beaconing is the use of an audible signal in such a way that blind pedestrians can home in on the signal coming from the target corner as they cross the street. Th e PROWAAC report, Building a True Community defi ned an audible beacon as: “a permanently fi xed source emitting sound for directional orientation” (PROWAAC 2001). MUTCD and Draft PROWAG recommendations are that the beaconing be called up by special actuation, rather than the APS functioning in the louder mode all the time. Th e recommended form of special actuation is an extended button press (holding the pushbutton in for over one second). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A minority of crosswalks require audible beaconing, in which the sound source provides directional orientation. Where audible beaconing is activated, the volume of the WALK indication and the subsequent locator tone during the called pedestrian phase is increased and may be operated in one of the following ways: • Increased sound comes from all speakers for the crossing, or • a louder locator tone comes from the speaker at the far end of the crosswalk during the pedestrian phase, or • the louder audible WALK indication and louder locator tone are broadcast from an additional pedhead mounted speaker aimed at the center of the crosswalk, or • the audible WALK indication alternates back and forth from speakers at each end of the crosswalk. Audible beaconing speakers must be oriented in line with the relevant crosswalk. • If the speaker is not carefully oriented, the signal may give ambiguous information about which street has the WALK interval, and ambiguous information for traveling straight across the street. • Beaconing is enhanced by the presence of a locator tone that users can home in on as they approach the destination corner, island or median having an accessible pushbutton. See Chapter 6, Designing Installations, for additional recommendations regarding audible beaconing.

70 Chapter 4: Features of APS REFERENCE Draft PROWAG does not specifi cally mention audible beaconing, but provides for optional features in 1106.3.4. MUTCD 4E.09 (2003) states: “Th e audible tone(s) may be made louder (up to a maximum of 89 dBA) by holding down the pushbutton for a minimum of 3 seconds. Th e louder audible tone(s) may also alternate back and forth across the crosswalk, thus providing optimal directional information.” Revisions have been made in meetings of NCUTCD and are expected to be included in the 2009 revision of the MUTCD. Recommendations are that the beaconing be called up by special actuation, rather than the APS functioning in the louder mode all the time. Th e recommended form of special actuation is an extended button press (holding the pushbutton in for over one second). WHEN TO USE Not all crosswalks at an intersection need beaconing. Audible beaconing can actually cause confusion if used at all crosswalks at some intersections. Audible beaconing is probably not appropriate at locations with channelized turns or split phasing, due to the possibility of the signal being heard at the wrong crosswalk. Audible beaconing should only be considered at: • Crosswalks longer than 70 feet, unless they are divided by a median that has another APS with a locator tone • Crosswalks that are skewed • Intersections with irregular geometry such as fi ve or more legs • Crosswalks where audible beaconing is requested by an individual with visual disabilities • Other locations where a study indicates audible beaconing would be benefi cial HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Pedestrians may be able to home in on the signal to assist with maintaining alignment while crossing the street.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 71 Alert tone DESCRIPTION An alert tone is a very brief burst of high frequency sound at the beginning of the audible WALK indication, which rapidly decays to the frequency of the WALK tone. It is intended to alert pedestrians to the beginning of the WALK interval. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION An alert tone may be useful if the WALK tone is not easily audible in some traffi c conditions. As used in Australia, the alert tone is 14dB above the ambient sound level. Australian engineers believe the alert tone encourages faster initiation of crossing, which decreases the likelihood of a confl ict between pedestrians and turning vehicles. Also, when crossings are initiated faster, pedestrians clear the intersection faster. WHEN TO USE An alert tone may be particularly helpful in locations with high ambient noise levels to alert pedestrians to the start of a speech WALK message, or to a tone WALK indication if it is hard to hear over traffi c sound. REFERENCE Not mentioned in Draft PROWAG or the MUTCD. How used by pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision Th e alert tone gets the attention of pedestrians at the beginning of the WALK indication.

72 Chapter 4: Features of APS Tactile map DESCRIPTION A raised schematic map showing what will be encountered as the pedestrian negotiates the crosswalk controlled by that pushbutton. Th is feature is available from one manufacturer. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Map information may include: • Number of lanes to be crossed • Whether the lanes are vehicular or bicycle lanes or trolley tracks • Which direction traffi c will be coming from in each lane • Whether there is a median Figure 4-7. This tactile map from a Swedish APS is read from the bottom to the top and indicates lanes as they would be encountered by pedestrians Each map is made up of changeable ‘slugs’ inserted into the side of the pushbutton housing. It must be set up for each crosswalk of an intersection The map information is for the crosswalk controlled by that signal only, rather than the entire intersection. Symbols used are not standardized in the U.S., but one manufacturer has developed a standard set that is used in other countries.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 73 WHEN TO USE A map of the crosswalk may be particularly useful at intersections with medians or islands. REFERENCES Draft PROWAG states that ‘where provided, graphic indication of the crosswalk shall be tactile’. (R306.4.3) HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Pedestrians unfamiliar with the intersection or crossing hear the locator tone and locate the pushbutton and map. Standing facing the crossing, they ‘read’ the map and learn how wide the street is, and what they will encounter in the crosswalk, before they begin to cross. Th e map also indicates whether the pedestrian signal controlled by that pushbutton provides a crossing time for the entire crossing or just to a median or island because if the signal is just for a portion of the street, the map will show the crossing ending on a ‘median’ graphic, indicating that there is another crossing, either controlled or uncontrolled.

74 Chapter 4: Features of APS Braille signs DESCRIPTION Braille signs should state the name of the street that the pushbutton controls on the sign above the pushbutton housing. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Although this may be helpful to some pedestrians who are blind, many may not locate the sign and the braille without orientation to the device. Many individuals who are blind do not read Braille, however, those who do would prefer Braille information to confi rm which street is controlled by the pushbutton Th e street name on a device should be the name of the street whose crosswalk is controlled by the pushbutton. A combination of information formats, raised characters, Braille, and audible information, will accommodate the most users. REFERENCES Th e MUTCD 4E.08 states: “Name of the street …may also be provided in accessible format….” Draft PROWAG requires street name information in Braille or in an audible format. (R306.4.2) HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION A pedestrian who is familiar with the installation of Braille but unfamiliar with a particular intersection would search the provided sign for Braille in order to learn or confi rm the name of the street that is controlled by the pushbutton. Braille signs may be helpful to individuals who are deaf-blind and who would not benefi t from audible pushbutton information messages. Figure 4-8. A Braille street name is pictured on a sign above the pushbutton. The street name is also provided in high contrast large print (but not raised print) at this location

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 75 Raised print or large print signs DESCRIPTION Th e name of the street that the pushbutton controls is printed in high contrast raised print or large print on the sign above the pushbutton housing or on the pole. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Some individuals who do not read Braille may be able to read large print, or raised print. However, raised print must be large enough to be read with fi ngertips. Imprinting the street name in the area available can be problematic. Th e street name on a device should be the name of the street whose crosswalk is controlled by the pushbutton. A combination of information formats, raised characters, Braille, and audible information, will accommodate the most users. WHEN TO USE Raised print signs may be particularly useful in area with large numbers of senior citizens. REFERENCES MUTCD 4E.08 states: “Name of the street …may also be provided in accessible format…. Draft PROWAG R409.2 provides specifi cations for raised characters on signs. However, at this time, directional information and signs are only required to comply with 409.3 (Braille) or provide street name information in audible format. HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION A pedestrian who is familiar with the installation of raised or large print but unfamiliar with the particular intersection would search the sign to learn or confi rm the name of the street that is controlled by the pushbutton. Figure 4-9. Example from Australia; a sign with raised print and Braille is mounted vertically on a round pole to the right of an APS. The sign reads “GEORGE ST. 275-339R”.

76 Chapter 4: Features of APS Passive pedestrian detection DESCRIPTION Passive pedestrian detection is sometimes used to call the pedestrian phase and can extend the clearance interval. Th e authors are not aware of U.S. installations of passive detection that include audible signals as well as visual signals, but the combination of passive pedestrian detection and audible signals is being used in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands. One available APS provides the option of triggering the pushbutton locator tone through sensors (piezo-electric, infrared, or microwave) when a pedestrian enters the detection zone. If a pedestrian is not detected, the locator tone is silent. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION An example of passive pedestrian detection technology is the “Pedestrian User- Friendly Intelligent (PUFFIN) crossing in use in England since 1993 (Department of Transport, 1993). PUFFIN crossings employ pedestrian detectors for both the pedestrian waiting area and the crosswalk. Waiting area detectors consist of either pressure mats with piezo-electric sensors, infrared or microwave detectors mounted on the signal pole, or video cameras serving remote sensor software. REFERENCES MUTCD 4E.09 “Accessible pedestrian signal detectors may be pushbuttons or passive detection devices.” HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION While passive detection of pedestrians for activating the locator tone may be helpful in reducing noise near the intersections, pedestrians who are blind may not be approaching the crosswalk or intersection within the detection zone. Th ey also may not know about it unless they are familiar with the intersection. Pedestrians who are blind may also not stand or travel in the exact waiting or crossing area to trigger passive detection for the WALK or to extend the clearance interval. Figure 4-11. This midblock crossing has sensors in a specifi c area of the sidewalk. A red mat area is labeled “Push button then wait here.” Figure 4-10. Detail of APS at midblock crossing in Australia. Sign reads “Push button then wait on red mat.”

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 77 Remote activation DESCRIPTION At least one manufacturer off ers the option of a handheld pushbutton that sends a message to the APS to call the pedestrian phase. It operates on a limited range radio frequency (such as a garage door opener or car door unlocking device) within 100 feet. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Manufacturer’s information does not clarify how the device would diff erentiate between locations at the intersection, or if using the device would place a pedestrian call for all crossings of the intersection. REFERENCE Not mentioned in MUTCD or Draft PROWAG. HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Pedestrians could place a pedestrian call as they approach the intersection, without having to travel to the pushbutton location. Th is would make it unnecessary to deviate from the travel path and may be particularly advantageous for wheelchair users.

78 Chapter 4: Features of APS Tones or audible messages during clearance interval DESCRIPTION A tone or other message sounds during the pedestrian clearance interval, at a diff erent rate, tone, or with a diff erent speech message, than the WALK indication or pushbutton locator tone. Th is can include audible pedestrian countdowns. APS typically revert to the pushbutton locator tone during the fl ashing and steady DONT WALK interval. Th at is not considered to be a clearance interval indication/tone. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Clearance interval information is sometimes provided by APS in Japan and in some parts of Canada. • In Japan, a variety of alternatives are available including a European emergency vehicle “ba-boo” sound, and various melodies. • In Canada, it may be provided by a tone that repeats at a faster rate than the WALK signal. For example, if the WALK signal is a “cuckoo” at 1 time per second, during the clearance interval the “cuckoo” is sounded 2 times per second. Advantages: • Lets pedestrians who are visually impaired who have begun to cross the street know that the clearance interval prevails. Disadvantages: • Th e clearance interval sound might be mistaken for the WALK signal by someone who approaches during the clearance interval, leading them to begin crossing during the fl ashing DONT WALK. • Pedestrians who are blind generally want to be able to hear traffi c while crossing the street. Th e clearance tone or audible message could distract them from hearing traffi c or mask the sound of traffi c. Th e continuous nature of a speech countdown has more potential for masking other sounds than the shorter duration of the pushbutton locator tone. • Additional cognitive processing may be required to interpret a verbal clearance interval message, such as an audible countdown. • For a blind person, knowing the remaining length of the fl ashing DONT WALK signal is not useful since they don’t have information about the remaining distance to the destination curb.

Accessible Pedestrian Signals: A Guide to Best Practice 79 REFERENCES MUTCD states that the APS shall indicate the WALK interval, and states that the word ‘wait’ must precede any message during the clearance interval. (4E.06) HOW USED BY PEDESTRIANS WHO ARE BLIND OR WHO HAVE LOW VISION Th is feature is not currently used in the US and is not recommended due to the potential confusion of the WALK interval with the clearance interval. As noted in the disadvantages listed above, pedestrian countdown information is unlikely to provide any advantage to the individual who is blind or visually impaired.

80 Chapter 4: Features of APS Integrated information devices DESCRIPTION Personal pagers, cellular telephones, and other mobile digital communications devices could potentially receive transmitted pedestrian signal messages. Th e increased use of these devices suggests that there may be other technologies and methods to provide information to pedestrians and for pedestrians to call the WALK interval in the future. Development is ongoing on an integrated handheld computer type device to provide geographic, GPS, intersection layout and real-time signal information to pedestrians who are blind. Communication of a pedestrian call is also being investigated. However, such technology is in the very early development stages.