|
On this Page...
What Are Accessible Pedestrian Signals?
Pilot Installation
How Can I Request an Accessible Pedestrian Signal?
APS Information Resources
What are Accessible Pedestrian Signals?
An APS is a device that communicates information about pedestrian timing in nonvisual formats such as audible tones, verbal messages, and/or vibrating surfaces to assist pedestrians with visual impairment. APS can provide information to pedestrians about the existence and location of the pushbutton; the onset of the walk interval; the direction of the crosswalk and location of the destination curb; the clearance interval; intersection geometry through maps, diagrams, or speech; intersection street names in Braille, raised print, or speech; and intersection signalization.
The devices typically produce a continual chirping locating tone to guide impaired individuals to the pushbutton. Once pushed, the button can vibrate and/or provide verbal guidance on when to cross a particular street. For instance, the button may repeatedly state, “Wait to cross Main Street” in a digital voice until pedestrian walk phase is served.
APS installations have been limited in the United States, particularly in the Chicago area. Literature suggests two reasons that this technology has not been more widely implemented:
- Noise pollution and subsequent community opposition
- Disagreement among people with visual disabilities regarding the need and effectiveness of APS.
Pilot Installation
In late 2008, Accessible Pedestrian Signals were installed at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Ellsworth Street, near the North Central College campus. The APS devices have been in service since this time.
How Can I Request an Accessible Pedestrian Signal?
Disabled individuals can request the installation of APS at City of Naperville maintained signalized intersections. Requests should identify the particular crosswalk at a signalized intersection where APS is desired.
New requests will be evaluated on an annual basis by a representative of the TED Business Group, a representative of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and a representative of the Advisory Commission on Disabilities using an established prioritization system. A recommendation based on this evaluation that prioritizes potential APS locations (both new and existing requests) will be provided to the Transportation Advisory Board for approval. Implementation of new APS devices will be determined by site complexity and budgetary considerations.
APS Information Resources
There are a variety of informational resources regarding the consideration and installation of APS equipment. The following resources are all available through the internet:
- The Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices
- The National Cooperative Highway Research Program – Number 278
- Accessible Pedestrian Signals: Synthesis and Guide to Best Practice
- www.walkinginfo.org/aps
|