Module D - Slide 24
Now we move on to the Crosswalk Worksheet. These variables deal with characteristics of the individual crosswalks so there will one sheet for each crosswalk at an intersection and the points may vary depending on the characteristics of that crosswalk.
The first item is the crosswalk width (or maybe more accurately crosswalk length) or distance from curb to curb, with 0 points for a crossing less than 40 feet and 5 points for a crossing of 120 feet or more. On a wider street, it's more important to start crossing immediately, rather than delaying while waiting for a definitive traffic movement cue. Wider crossings are more difficult for a blind pedestrian in terms of maintaining alignment and just in terms of being in the street longer, with more potential traffic conflicts. The locator tone or audible beaconing from APS may help to maintain better alignment while crossing.
Second item is the speed limit. This just reflects the danger of higher speed environments for pedestrians. If mistakes are made by the blind pedestrian or the driver, when a vehicle is traveling more slowly, there is more time to react. Values range from 0 points for less than or equal to 20 mph to 5 points for greater than or equal to 45 mph. This is based on the posted speed limit, just to have a consistent number to refer to.
Next we look at approach and crosswalk geometrics and their potential effect on the crossing task. In this section, you score for any of these items that apply to the crosswalk. Most of these are issues that may make it harder to determine where to begin and end crossing, and when to cross for a pedestrian who is blind or who has low vision.
Large curb radii (over 25 feet) can make it difficult for a blind pedestrian to orient themselves for crossing and make mistakes more likely. An APS with tactile arrow might assist them in locating the correct place to start and facing the correct direction for crossing straight to the opposite curb. 1 point is given for a crosswalk with curb radii over 25 feet on either end of the crosswalk.
Islands or medians can create additional complications for crossing, which may delay a person who is blind or who has low vision in completing their crossing, especially if their initial crossing alignment is not correct. APS may provide additional information for the crossing, and if APS are located on the islands, can help individuals correct their misalignment mid-crossing. If there are islands, there's more potential for individuals who are blind to get stopped in the middle of their crossings and they may need to wait for the next signal on an island and need that audible signal information to complete their crossing. Only one point is given for islands or medians, painted, raised or cut-through, anywhere in the crosswalk.
A transverse slope, or sideways slope to the crosswalk, can cause a pedestrian to veer as they cross. That increases the difficulty of the crossing and maintaining the correct heading while crossing. It's possible that the pushbutton locator tone or audible beaconing from APS could help them correct their heading and maintain better alignment while crossing.