Question from Another Downtown pedestrian
What do you say about this issue?
Michael Bryant answered:
I can agree with everyone on this issue. I’ve also been frustrated trying to cross Main Street. I have discovered that repeatedly hitting the bright shiny button doesn’t seem to speed up the process all that much…I’ll continue to do it though, it makes me feel better.
I can see where the crosswalk signs won’t change as soon as you hit the button. Some time needs to pass for the traffic light to cycle through from green to yellow to red. This allows traffic to slow to a safe stop. I believe there are formulas based on the width of the road and the amount of traffic on the road to determine when the lights should change and how long they should safely remain changed. The city should consult its traffic engineer and possibly the state (Main Street is also a state road) to determine the signals are set correctly and working properly.
I believe that the crosswalk signs were installed in the mid 90’s during the Main Street revitalization. It may be time to take a look at upgrading the signals. One thing I would like to see added is the installation of an audible signal for the city’s sight impaired.
I can see where the crosswalk signs won’t change as soon as you hit the button. Some time needs to pass for the traffic light to cycle through from green to yellow to red. This allows traffic to slow to a safe stop. I believe there are formulas based on the width of the road and the amount of traffic on the road to determine when the lights should change and how long they should safely remain changed. The city should consult its traffic engineer and possibly the state (Main Street is also a state road) to determine the signals are set correctly and working properly.
I believe that the crosswalk signs were installed in the mid 90’s during the Main Street revitalization. It may be time to take a look at upgrading the signals. One thing I would like to see added is the installation of an audible signal for the city’s sight impaired.