Automated Detection of Pedestrians in Conjunction with Standard Pedestrian Push Buttons at Signalized Intersections

Abstract

Automated pedestrian detection systems provide the means to detect the presence of pedestrians as they approach the curb prior to crossing the street, and then these systems call the Walk signal without any action required on the part of the pedestrians. These detectors can also extend the clearance interval in order to allow slower persons to finish crossing. Whether automated pedestrian detectors, when used in conjunction with standard pedestrian push buttons, would result in fewer overall pedestrian-vehicle conflicts and fewer inappropriate crossings (i.e., pedestrians’ beginning to cross during a Don’t Walk signal) was evaluated. Before and after video data were collected at intersection locations in Los Angeles, California (infrared and microwave), Phoenix, Arizona (microwave), and Rochester, New York (microwave). The results indicated a significant reduction in vehicle-pedestrian conflicts, as well as a reduction in the number of pedestrians beginning to cross during the Don’t Walk signal. The differences between microwave and infrared detectors were not significant. Detailed field testing of the microwave equipment in Phoenix revealed that fine-tuning of the detection zone is still needed in order to reduce the number of false calls and missed calls.