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Vechicals don't need to push a button to cross an intersection, why do walkers need to push a button to cross an intersection?
by nxzero 10y ago
Vechicals don't need to push a button to cross an intersection, why do walkers need to push a button to cross an intersection?
- phjesusthatguy3 10y agoBecause some intersections are programmed to maximize vehicle traffic throughput, and only allow pedestrian crossing in response to pushing the button.
- detaro 10y agoIntersections where cars have to pass detectors (induction coils in the ground) to get a green light exist. Same principle: only switch the lights if there is demand for it, with a default oriented at the most likely demand. The pedestrian-default at least around here is implemented by making entire zones slow-driving and pedestrian-priority, not on single intersections. If cars are allowed higher speeds, it IMHO makes sense to have pedestrians push the button and wait a few seconds, since they can do that easier and more efficient.
- scbrg 10y agoI'm sure there's many answers, but one would be that it's hard to determine a pedestrian's intent to cross. A vehicle at an intersection, in the right lane - yep, you can be fairly sure its intent is to cross. A pedestrian hanging around one end of a zebra crossing can be waiting for a green light, grabbing a smoke, chatting to a friend or playing Pokémon Go for all you know. There's no good way of automatically knowing that they intend to cross.
- bonoboTP 10y agoIt's often better for pedestrians when there's a button. Because the light usually changes pretty quickly after pressing the button. Otherwise you'd have to wait until the timer switches the lights. It's usually used for pedestrian crossings where pedestrians are rather rare.
- nxzero 10y agoPlacebo Walk Buttons: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo_button#Walk_buttons https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo_button#Walk_buttons (My point is that just like for cars, there should be sensors for walkers, not buttons.)
- bonoboTP 10y agoSometimes people stand at intersections and just chat and don't want to cross. And in Germany and Hungary where I used such buttons, they are definitely not placebo, because the switch comes quickly and when you forget to press it it does not switch.