Accessible pedestrian signals (APS) help people who are blind or have low vision know when they can cross
Accessible pedestrian signals use two audible tones to designate the direction of the pedestrian right-of-way. For the north/south right-of-way, the ‘cuckoo’ tone is sounded.for the east/west right-of-way, the ‘chirp’ tone is sounded.
The APS units are equipped with vibro-tactile features for pedestrians who are deaf or hard of hearing. Raised arrows on the APS indicate the crossing direction of the unit, which then vibrates in combination with the audible tone to indicate right-of-way for that crossing.
APS units use a ‘locator tone’ to assist pedestrians in locating the pushbutton. This tone is either a ‘beeping’ or a ‘ticking’ sound.
The City of Regina has 69 intersections equipped with APS. The City is committed to retrofitting six signalized intersections with APS annually. Any newly signalized intersections with pedestrian access are automatically installed with APS.
To request a location for APS installation, please submit a Service Request. Requested locations are prioritized using criteria, such as intersection configuration and safety, pedestrian and vehicle volumes and proximity to public transit and pedestrian destinations.
PedApp
Residents can now interact with select signaled crosswalks in Regina from their mobile phones with the PedApp. This tool makes crosswalks safer and more accessible by announcing the intersection as residents approach, allowing them to push the “cross” button signal remotely and hear real-time updates on when it is safe to cross. Once it is safe, the app announces the remaining countdown time out loud. It also uses vibrations for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Download the app from Polara’s website.
If you experience any issues related to the PedApp, please contact Polara Enterprises directly. Please find their contact information below:
Website: https://polara.com/pedapp
Email: cmclaughlin@synapse-its.com
PedApp in Action
Regina has 17 touchless accessible pedestrian crosswalks. The touchless signals let users activate the pedestrian crossing signals without the need to physically touch a button. They also make a sound to help people who are blind or with low vision cross intersections
When someone wishes to cross the street, they simply need to wave their hand one to four inches away from the touchless pushbutton area to activate the signal. There will then be a sound to indicate when it is safe to cross the street.
To request a location for touchless or APS installation, please submit a Service Request. Requested locations are prioritized using criteria such as intersection configuration and safety, pedestrian and vehicle volumes and proximity to public transit and various pedestrian destinations.
Many signalized intersections have a button you may push to activate the WALK/DON’T WALK pedestrian signal.
- If the button is pushed, the WALK signal could stay on longer to allow you the extra time to cross the street.
- If the button is not pushed, more ‘green’ time could be given to motorists. This allows more traffic to travel through the intersection and reduces congestion. If you are at a signalized intersection with a pedestrian push button, you must use it or you will not get a WALK signal allowing you to cross.
For some intersections that have heavy pedestrian volume, pedestrian phase could be provided every phase during off peak hours.
Understanding Pedestrian Signals
Pedestrian signals tell you when it is safe to cross:
- A "WALK" or “WALKING SYMBOL” means you may begin crossing.
- A flashing "DON'T WALK" or flashing “HAND SYMBOL” serves as a warning that it is to late to begin to cross the street. However, if you entered the cross walk before the signal began to flash, you should have enough time to cross the street.
- A solid "DON'T WALK" or solid ‘HAND SYMBOL” indicates that it is unsafe to cross the street. You should wait until the WALK signal appears again before crossing the street.
