Tactile arrow
Description
Figure 4-2. This APS has a high-contrast, raised tactile arrow on the pushbutton and a high-contrast, recessed tactile arrow on the sign above the button
Figure 4-3. The tactile arrow above the pushbutton on this APS is superimposed on a larger visual arrow
Figure 4-4. The tactile arrow is located on top of this APS housing (note the lack of necessary color contrast between the arrow and housing)
A raised (tactile) arrow may be part of the pushbutton as seen in Figure 4-2, above the pushbutton (Figure 4-3) or on top of the device (Fig 4-4) and is used to communicate to pedestrians which crosswalk is controlled by the pushbutton. The tactile arrow provides confirmation that is similar to the printed sign and arrow which are commonly provided for pedestrians who are sighted.
The arrow should contrast with its background. On most APS, this arrow also vibrates during the WALK interval.
Additional information
It is important that the arrow points in the direction of travel on the crosswalk, as it indicates which crosswalk is controlled by that pushbutton. Tactile arrows provide general alignment information for all pedestrians. However, it is important to note that tactile arrows do not seem to enable the extremely accurate alignment required for blind and visually impaired pedestrians. To align the arrow properly, the installer needs to understand that pedestrians are expecting the arrow to be aligned toward the destination across the street. The purpose is not to point toward the beginning of the crosswalk, or the curb ramp location. Misalignment of the arrow may direct a blind pedestrian into the center of the intersection.
For arrows on the face of the device, the alignment is determined by the installation of the pushbutton on the pole. Arrows on the top of the pushbutton housing are typically glued into place after the pushbutton is installed and their alignment can be adjusted separately from the pushbutton.
When to use
Tactile arrows are recommended at all locations with an APS.
References
Pushbuttons and arrows should be within 5 feet of the extended crosswalk lines, (MUTCD 4E.09), and aligned in the direction of pedestrian travel controlled by the pushbutton (MUTCD 4E.09; Draft PROWAG R306.4.1).
Arrows should have good visual contrast with their background so that all users, including those with low vision, may see them readily (MUTCD 4E.09, Draft PROWAG R306.4.1).
Draft PROWAG (306.4.1) provides specifications for the arrow: "…include a tactile arrow aligned parallel to the crosswalk direction. The arrow shall be raised 0.8 mm (.03 inch) minimum and shall be 4 mm (1.5 in) minimum in length. The arrowhead shall be open at 45 degrees to the shaft and shall be 33 percent of the length of the shaft. Stroke width shall be 10 percent minimum and 15 percent maximum of arrow length. The arrow shall contrast with the background."
How used by pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision
Pedestrians who are blind use tactile arrows to determine and confirm which crosswalk the pushbutton controls and the general direction of travel. Other clues from traffic sounds are also used to confirm alignment and crossing direction.
Blind pedestrians typically proceed in as straight a line as possible from the pushbutton to the curb of the perpendicular street in the direction of the arrow. This means that the APS should be within or as close as possible to the crosswalk lines.