Assessment of a gap-actuated pushbutton signal using a traffic simulation model

A main concern with pedestrian crossings is the time that pedestrians are expected to wait before a traffic light changes. Pushbutton signal systems are mainly set to accommodate vehicular flow efficiency, and the interval for pedestrians to cross the street remains the same even if no vehicles are on the road or if there is a long gap between oncoming vehicles. Pedestrians often cross the road against the go-ahead pedestrian signal when they perceive an acceptable vehicular gap, sometimes even after pressing the pushbutton. Vehicles must stop even if no pedestrian is waiting to cross the street. This study examined a gap-actuated pushbutton signal via a traffic simulation model. The results show a substantial decrease in pedestrian waiting time with negligible effects on vehicular flow.