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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering


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Nearside signals

   
At signalized intersections, mostly outside the USA, signal heads are mounted on posts placed on the nearside of the approach to an intersection.  This signal placement requires limit lines to be set back further than for intersections that use far side signal pole placements.  Right turns on red may have to be restricted, if supplemental signals are not provided.  A similar treatment may also be applied to the placement of the pedestrian signals.  At puffin crossings, pedestrian signal heads are placed directly above the pedestrian push buttons, forcing pedestrians to look in the direction of oncoming traffic, instead of perpendicular to it.
objective To force pedestrians at signalized intersections to observe traffic instead of vehicular indications to determine the appropriate time to cross.
applications Nearside pedestrian signals are also known as puffin nearside indicators.  Ideal locations are those where there are high volumes of pedestrians and there is a need to encourage vehicles to stop well in advance of the crossing.
target population All Pedestrians, Motorists
crash type Pedestrian R/W Violation-Intersection, Pedestrian Violation-Intersection, Traffic Signals and Signs
advantages
  • Vehicle STOP lines are held back substantially from the intersection, thus reducing the potential for pedestrian-vehicle conflicts.
  • Allows buses and trucks to use the opposing lane for turning when necessary.
disadvantages
  • Secondary signals must be placed in an island in the center of the roadway.  Such secondary signals may be hit more frequently by large vehicles.
  • Provides no benefit to visually impaired pedestrians unless they can see far enough to observe approaching traffic.
pointers The potential for collisions is reduced because pedestrians must observe traffic flow itself rather than relying on vehicular indications.
cost Medium, if supplemental far side poles are required
responsibility Public Works Department
further reading Lalani, N. The Effect on Right-Turning Accidents of Closely Associated Secondary Signals. Road Safety Studies Bulletin, April 1980.
examples Various
related tools Advance Limit Lines, European Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing Innovations, Pedestrian Push Buttons and Treatments

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