New Pedestrian Crossing Devices for California

1. New Pedestrian Crossing Devices for California Wayne Henley Caltrans Division of Traffic Operations Beth Thomas District 4 Pedestrian Coordinator

2. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon • For uncontrolled pedestrian crossings • Blanket approval for CA from FHWA on Aug 10, 2011 • Inform Caltrans Traffic Operations of location

3. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon • Increases yield rates to between 74% and close to 100% (range of results from field test locations) • Much more effective than standard beacons or in-roadway lights • Found not to lose effectiveness over time • Equal results 2 years out

4. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon • Does not have to meet signal warrants • Relatively inexpensive • About $10,000 per beacon • $20,000 to $40,000 per crossing • One on each side of street • With median: one to two mounted there depending on width

5. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon • In 2012 CA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Ch. 4F) • Formerly called High-intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) • Ped crashes reduced 69% • All crashes down 29% • Severe crashes down 15%

6. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon • Does not have to meet signal warrants • Guidelines for use • Based on posted speed, vehicles & peds per hour, crosswalk length

7. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon • Guidelines for use • At least 100 feet from intersection • FHWA likely to approve for intersections • About $250,000 per location

8. Summary • Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon • Significantly reduces crashes • Higher Cost • High-intensity locations (arterials) • For now only mid-block, but likely to be approved for intersections • Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon • Significantly increases yield rates • Low Cost • Medium- to high-intensity locations • Approved for intersection or mid-block crossings