tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36812845.post2950625257281341770..comments2023-12-21T03:52:04.937-05:00Comments on transportation for liveable communities: slow it for safetytlchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01029664412590883267noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36812845.post-79546865066875920912008-05-24T11:21:00.000-04:002008-05-24T11:21:00.000-04:00Hello Mr. Kay,I've been asked to respond to the tr...Hello Mr. Kay,<BR/><BR/>I've been asked to respond to the traffic signal related issues from your e-mail below. Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding<BR/><BR/>Since this signal was turned on in September 2005, we've made changes to reduce pedestrian delay and pollution while maintaining a safe operation. We use two different methods of operating this signal; one for peak periods when traffic volumes are high and the other for all other times when traffic volumes are lighter.<BR/><BR/>The delay you mentioned during peak periods is directly related to the co-ordination of this signal with the one at Cootes & Main. The close spacing between these two signals and the high traffic volume during peak periods dictates that we control when the signals turn green. Unnecessary stops and queuing increases fuel consumption and pollution as well as opportunities for rear-end collisions and red light running. To accomplish this, the signal has a cyclical "window of opportunity" where the it may stop traffic on Cootes and allow pedestrians to cross. Depending on when the button is pushed, pedestrians may have to wait from 6-80 seconds before receiving the walk signal. It depends on when the button is pushed and if the "window of opportunity" is open to serve pedestrians. This method of operation occurs only during the weekday peak periods which represents about 15% of the time. During the other 85% of the time the signal operates in a more flexible manner where the maximum delay is cut in half. This overall intent of this strategy is to strike a balance between pedestrian delay and pollution caused by stopping traffic.<BR/><BR/>We've conducted observations of pedestrian behaviour at this signal on several occasions. Many pedestrians don't follow the requirement to push the button and start crossing only on the walk display. Our observations include pedestrians that push the button but don't wait for the walk display, cross without even using the button or start crossing after the flashing Don't Walk has started. This last type of behaviour would likely only increase if we installed pedestrian countdown timers. For that reason, it's our opinion that they would not be helpful at this location.<BR/><BR/>I trust you will find this information useful in understanding our operational approach at this signal. Please contact me directly if you need more information.<BR/><BR/>Best regards,<BR/><BR/>Rodney Aitchison<BR/>Project Manager - Traffic Signal Systems<BR/>City of Hamilton - Traffic Engineering<BR/>Phone: 905-546-2424 (ext. 2067)<BR/>Fax: 905-540-5926<BR/>e-mail: raitchis@hamilton.catlchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01029664412590883267noreply@blogger.com