[Capchapohio] Audible Pedestrian Signal Features

[Sammons, Elizabeth]

Good morning, Columbus-area readers-

I wanted to wait until the email died down after convention to send some information so that you would perhaps have more time and mental energy to digest. I am a member of
Columbus Advisory Committee on Disability Issues
 CACDI meets at 109 N. Front Street, the conference room adjacent to the security desk on the 1st floor normally the 4th Thursday each month. Visitors and new members are always welcome. The May topic seemed of particular interest, so I decided to paste below excerpts from the minutes. I do realize that opinions vary on audible traffic signals and I am not endorsing or opposing, but information is the best weapon for all of us.


Happy reading below,
Elizabeth Sammons


RSC Assistant, Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
899 E. Broad Street 2nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43205
614.466.9844 x. 3644
elizabeth.sammons at rsc.ohio.gov<mailto:elizabeth.sammons at rsc.ohio.gov>

***
Columbus Advisory Committee on Disability Issues
Minutes of the Meeting-May 26, 2011


FEATURED SPEAKER.  Steve Jewell, Transportation Division Manager, DLZ Corporation; also Kurt Kochensparger, Columbus Transportation Division. Topic: Audible Pedestrian Signal Features: New Possibilities for the U.S. Included in the PowerPoint presentation were a variety of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) used around the country and outside the U.S.

Columbus was the leader, back in the 1960's, with audible signals and "Crossing for the Blind" signs. These old signals were too loud, had no volume control and confusing to the direction the person was facing. It was also hard to determine if it was the APS or a bird when the cuckoo and chirping sounds began to be used. Newer signals include a speech indicator, vibrating tactile walk indicator, speaker at push button, tone and vibrotactile walk indicator and the volume can adjust to ambient noise levels. One example from Sweden also has a Braille map on it as well as a push button locator tone and walk indication.

Some features that Steve went into more detail on:
*        Tactile arrow aligns with direction of travel
*        Walk indication uses a rapid tick sound
*        Volume Adjustment is 2-5db over ambient noise level within 6-12 feet of the push button or building line (whichever is closer)
*        Extended push button press (press button for longer than one second) can provide a longer crossing time (crossing time is calculated from curb to curb at 3.5 feet per second), speech information message and beaconing. Note: Not every pushbutton has to be APS accessible.

There should be a 10-foot separation between the APS's. They should be within 5 feet of a crosswalk line and within 10 feet of the curb. Most buttons are located 42 inches high on the pole.

Accessible beaconing: Sound bounces back and forth between signals when crossing. It is limited in use, not appropriate for all locations.

Kurt demonstrated a variety of audible sounds. In Columbus, bird chirps will be changed to the national standard of a fast tick. He reminded everyone to call 311 to request an audible signal investigation and leave a contact number for Kurt to contact person so it is installed correctly.

Columbus has almost 1000 traffic signals, 95 are equipped accessible intersections. Hopefully as they upgrade they may include APS on more signals.

A question was asked about roundabouts. The U.S. Access Board is looking at audible signals for multi-lane roundabouts. Currently they do not have audible signals.

Call 645-7393 to report an issue directly to Traffic Engineering.
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