[Electronics-talk] Traffic signal app

Mon Jun 29 12:14:35 UTC 2015

Yes, they are called Barnes Dances.  They have a few in Washington DC.  The
diagonal path of that type of crossing can be very difficult/dangerous for
some cane travelers.  The domed or crown shape of the center of the
intersection surface does not lend itself to walking a straight line for
some people.

Traditional 4-way intersections have a total of 8 paths of travel.  The
intersections which use the Barnes Dance configuration have a total of 12
path of travel.  With these types of crossings, there are 3 segments to the
light cycle.  One for the east/west vehicle traffic, one for the north/south
vehicle traffic, and one for pedestrians in all directions including the
diagonal.  Unfortunately, if you elect to not utilize the diagonal path  and
choose to cross using 2 crossings, you most likely have to wait an entire
cycle before you can make your second crossing.  These types of crossings
are typically used where there is a high volume of pedestrian traffic.  Many
guide dog users have reported that their dog gets confused about which path
of travel the owner wants them to take.  There are 3 options at each corner,
and they are very close together resulting in the lack of a distinct
starting point for each path of travel.

Annette

-----Original Message-----
From: Electronics-talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of cheez via Electronics-talk
Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2015 3:04 PM
To: Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances
Cc: cheez
Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] Traffic signal app

Brett, I know what you are talking about.  I think they are called Barnes
Dances.  I've only seen them in Ithaca, NY.  They are cool.

Vince

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brett Boyer via Electronics-talk" <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
To: "'Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances'" 
<electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: "Brett Boyer" <bboyer202 at gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2015 11:19 AM
Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] Traffic signal app

>I hope all of you that say no one needs audible traffic lights, realize
> we're still arguing about something that has been going on for years.
> The idea that audible traffic lights are not necessary, folks forget about
> some of the really difficult intersections in cities. Now, maybe you don't
> have intersections like this or maybe you don't travel independently very
> much. And, I hope this is the case. However, there are those instances 
> where
> intersections, these days, audible traffic lights are almost a necessity. 
> If
> you don't need them, that's great!
> Also, and I'm not familiar with the proper terminology, but a lot of 
> heavily
> traffic areas now have a new pattern where all cars stop and allow
> pedestrians to cross any way they want. It would be nice to know what type
> of intersection you are approaching. The newer lights that I've seen here 
> in
> California, when the button is pressed down it will tell you what
> intersection you are at, what corner you are at, and a count-down letting
> you know where to go. I have not used any of these myself but I 've heard
> them and have been around them while with other people.
> Do I think everyone should use audible signals? No, obviously not, but
> having a device that tells you about the intersection you are at would be 
> a
> big help.
> bb
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Electronics-talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Mike Freeman via Electronics-talk
> Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2015 8:18 AM
> To: 'Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances'
> Cc: Mike Freeman
> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] Traffic signal app
>
> Hi, Elizabeth.
>
> With respect, I beg to differ with you. By the time an app told you what 
> you
> needed to know, the light would have changed. Moreover, you'd need earbuds
> or those bone-conducting headphones to hear your i-device anyway. And I
> wouldn't want to be fiddling with an app at a street crossing when, in the
> end, like everyone else, I'm dependent upon my senses and my brain to mind
> its P's and Q's.
>
> Also, such an app and the underlying infrastructure would be way too easy 
> to
> hack -- not a comforting thought when my posterior is on the line.
>
> Mike Freeman
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Electronics-talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Elizabeth Campbell via Electronics-talk
> Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2015 8:12 AM
> To: 'Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances'
> Cc: Elizabeth Campbell
> Subject: Re: [Electronics-talk] Traffic signal app
>
> Hi Tracy,
>
> I agree that having such an app would be extremely helpful. I really don't
> like the audible signals that are currently in use, but I think a smart
> phone app is a great idea.
> It would also benefit us since cars are much quieter now. Also, we have to
> contend with annoying, turning traffic.
>
> Best
>
> Liz
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Electronics-talk [mailto:electronics-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via Electronics-talk
> Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2015 10:00 AM
> To: 'Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances'
> Cc: Tracy Carcione
> Subject: [Electronics-talk] Traffic signal app
>
> Someone said they'd heard about work on an app to identify when a traffic
> light was walk or don't walk.  Anyone know any more about this?  I keep
> thinking how useful that would be.  As I'm getting older, I don't hear the
> traffic changes as well as I used to.  And an app seems a lot cheaper than
> putting in audible signals.  And I keep hearing about traffic signals 
> having
> all kinds of "smart" things built in, so maybe an app could build on
> something already there.
>
> Tracy
>
>
>
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