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RE: Green light timers for cyclists
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Ralph Fertig
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Jul 19, 2009 18:25 PDT
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I like countdown timers. In Thailand, I found some that had both a
countdown to red, then a countdown to green. I found all traffic obeying
them. However, only the countdown to red has been accepted in the US. I
recently proposed using the countdown devices on UCC Santa Barbara
intersections where bikepaths cross roads, thinking that biking students
will be more patient if they know what's happening. If the countdown for
motorists is visible to bikepath users, they would also know how many
seconds to green. A traffic consultant for the University recently wrote
me:
"Countdown pedestrian signals are now required for all new signalized
intersections (and existing signals have 10 years to retrofit to
countdowns). As you know, they countdown the remaining clearance
interval (flashing hand). Studies here in SF and elsewhere show that
while more pedestrians start crossing during the clearance interval with
the countdowns, fewer are still in the crosswalk at the end of the
countdown. Studies also show a reduction in pedestrian collisions,
which is to be expected. But a surprising result is that vehicle
collisions also decline. The hypothesis for the vehicle collision
decline is that vehicles use the countdowns to avoid the "dilemma zone,"
the period of time when the yellow comes on and drivers need to decide
whether to stop or proceed."
So based on the studies cited, collisions for pedestrians & motorists are
reduced. Although they weren't mentioned, I suspect that bicyclist
collisions are likewise reduced. Sounds to me like a win all around.
~~ Ralph Fertig, President
~~ Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition
~~ www.sbbike.org
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Ralph Fertig received this email from Jim Baross, Jr. on 7/19/09 5:41 PM
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Hmmm, interesting. I can think of several reasons; none especially
convincing to me.
1. If bicyclists more often "run" a red light and this approach may reduce
those occurrences?
2. Traffic engineers/planners/whoever and many bicyclist's organizations are
seeking to benefit bicycling and hinder motor vehicle use; especially in
car-congested European cities where bicycling is a much greater proportion
of the travel mode share.
3. Bicyclists asked? Motorists didn't?
4. Motorists might be expected to prepare to start up sooner with the count
down timer and therefore more likely to forget to anticipate and yield to
those still in the intersection?
Jim (my best guesses) Baross
San Diego, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Sutterfield [mailto:bo-@sutterfields.us]
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2009 12:27 PM
To: cb-@topica.com; Cabo Forum; sfbike list
Cc: ron
Subject: RE: [CABO] Green light timers for cyclists
When I first read this article, I wondered why only the cyclists were
enthusiastic. After all, even motorists would like to know how much longer
they'll need to wait. Then I looked at the photo and saw the timer display
is located so only cyclists can see it. Now I wonder why they didn't mount
the display in a location that would help everyone?
--
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[JB - ] ........
-----Original Message-----
From: ron richings [mailto:rich-@telus.net]
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2009 10:58 AM
To: ron
Subject: [CABO] Green light timers for cyclists
Green light timers for cyclists
Members of cyclists' organisation Fietsersbond are enthusiastic about the
traffic light timers, the organisation wrote in last month's issue of its
magazine OEK. The timers indicate how long cyclists have to wait before a
red light turns green. "The person who invented those little clocks should
be given a decoration."
A previous evaluation by the municipality also found that cyclists
appreciate the timers, and that more people wait at a red light when they
know how long it will take.
The Fietsersbond explains that the timers may show unexpected behaviour. For
example, when a bus is given priority at a crossing, waiting time will be
longer than expected. Because of this, some timers add some time to the
estimated waiting time. If no bus shows up, they will count down faster at
the end.
Even at crossings where traffic lights do not respond to traffic, the timers
may temporarily stop counting when the traffic lights switch from one
programme to another at the end of the peak hour. Despite these problems,
the Fietsersbond thinks the timers are an improvement. The organisation says
that more will be installed.
To see a photo of a timer display at an intersection click on
http://tinyurl.com/kkv87r
Ron Richings
Vancouver, BC
Canada
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