Pedestrian Traffic Signal Operation
Brochures
PELICAN Traffic Signal
The Tucson PELICAN crossings, PEdestrian Light Control Activated, were initiated by the city using the European mid block pedestrian crossing technique of the same name. The technique incorporates a standard RED-YELLOW-GREEN signal indication method that rests in GREEN for vehicular traffic until a pedestrian wishes to cross. The signal then changes to YELLOW and then RED and a WALK light is shown to the pedestrian.
The pedestrian crosses the street in two stages, first to a median island and then along the median to a second signalized crossing point a short distance away. The pedestrian then activates a second crossing button and another crossing signal changes to RED for the traffic giving the pedestrian a WALK signal. The two crossings only delay the pedestrian minimally and allow the signal operation to fit into the arterial synchronization thus reducing the potential for stops, delays, accidents and air quality environmental issues. Tucsons experiences at the PELICAN crossings indicate that driver's compliance seems as good as other traditional traffic signals. However some driver violations have been reported and noted. The device is quite effective overall in providing a safe crossing for pedestrians at mid block crossings when the technique can be accommodated into the roadway cross section.
TOCAN Traffic Signal
The signal system was designed similar to the European technique to provide a safe crossing for "two" groups-pedestrian and bicyclists, thus the name "TOCAN"or TwO (groups) CAN cross the roadway.
The process of designing the TOCAN was as important as the end product. The design team consisted of community members, citizen bicycle advisory members, and associated neighborhood groups. A traditional signal system would be inappropriate at most locations when just a bicycle crossing is needed. In many cases the bike route is along a residential street where the crossing of the arterial is at an irregular spacing. Thus, the installation of a traditional full signal would not allow for good signal synchronization creating excess stops, accidents, delays and air quality concerns. The second concern is that a traditional full signal would encourage additional traffic to cut through or along the residential street thus negatively impacting the "livability'of the street. The committee worked together to find a balance of these competing transportation objectives and reached a consensus for the design and implementation of the pedestrian-bicycle signal.
HAWK Pedestrian Flasher
The signaling system is a combination of a beacon flasher and traffic control signaling technique for marked crossings. The Tucson High-intensity Activated crossWalK or HAWK crossing is an extension of the traditional school bus flashing warning signal when children are crossing the road and the European level or emergency crossing signal. The new edition of the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2001, recognizes the use of a flashing beacon signal in the context of use for emergency beacons. The beacon signal consists of a standard traffic signal head with a RED-YELLOW-RED lens.
The unit is normally off until activated by a pedestrian. When a pedestrian wishes to cross the street, they press a button and the signal begins with a FLASHING YELLOW indication to warn the approaching drivers, just like a school bus signal. The FLASHING YELLOW is then followed by a SOLID YELLOW indication, advising the drivers to prepare to stop. The signal is then changed to a SOLID RED indication at which time the pedestrian is shown a WALK indication. The beacon signal then converts to an ALTERNATING FLASHING RED, allowing the drivers to proceed when safe, after stopping at the crosswalk.
HAWK Operation Video (High bandwidth needed, 10 MB WMV file)
