HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.02 Access Ped Signals CITY CLERK
File # 0590-40
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 15, 2000
SUBJECT:
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)
Report prepared by: Lee S. Thompson, Public 14~orks Director
ATTACHMENTS:
None
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that requests for APS be reviewed on a case by
case basis and that the devices be installed where appropriate. At
this time, there is an existing request for three intersections, with
which Staff would concur. Staff is also recommending the use of
the single-volume "chirper" type unit. This would require budgeting
$7,500 in the Fiscal Year 2000-2001 Capital Improvement Program.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
The cost per intersection varies depending on the type of signal
installed. The type of units installed at the Amador Valley
Boulevard/Donohue Drive intersection would cost approximately
$2,500 per intersection to purchase and install. Other types of APS
are more expensive. All types of APS will incur ongoing
maintenance/replacement costs. Both the cost of installation and
maintenance could be paid through gas tax funds.
DESCRIPTION: The City Council received a request during the 1999-2000 Goals
and Objectives session to install audible pedestrian signals at two locations, the intersections of Amador
Valley Boulevard/Donohue Drive, and the intersection of Village Parkway/Lewis Avenue. Subsequently,
the Council determined to install the audible pedestrian signals at the Amador Valley/Donohue
intersection only and to use a portion of the City's CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds
to pay the cost of installation. The work was completed several months ago.
The City Council also directed staff to determine whether there was a need for audible pedestrian signals
at any other locations. In attempting to contact various organizations regarding this issue, Staff
discovered a variety of types of accessible pedestrian signals (APS) for the visually challenged, as well as
different philosophies regarding their use.
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COPIES TO:
ITEM NO.
Recommendations of Organizations
The recommendations of various organizations for the blind range from not using the devices at all to
using the devices everywhere. The National Federation of the Blind of California does not recommend
installation of the devices at all, as it feels the pedestrian is safer listening to traffic sounds. Conversely, a
representative of the Lions Club indicated in a telephone conversation that most organizations felt that
one type or another of the devices were very helpful. The California Council for the Blind has adopted a
resolution urging local jurisdictions to install APS at all new or upgraded intersections and to prioritize
placing APS at existing intersections.
Types of Devices
There are a number of APS available. The most familiar is the "chirper" type which was installed at the
Amador Valley/Donohue intersection, and which are used in downtown Oakland, San Francisco,
Berkeley, and other jurisdictions. These units employ two different bird sounds (cuckoo / peep) for north-
south vs. east-west crossings. The most common and least costly, which is the type installed at Amador
Valley/Donohue, has one volume level. These units are also available with a variable sound level that
reacts to ambient noise so that the devices are louder when traffic or other sounds in the area are louder.
The variable sound level devices are about 40% higher in cost than the non-variable units. Other than
cost, the main drawback to the variable sound level devices is that the louder sound could be disturbing in
residential areas.
Another type of APS is a vibrotactile unit which has a vibrating arrow that is installed at the pedestrian
pushbutton in place of the commonly used "walking man" signs. The vibrotactile devices themselves are
about 10% less in cost than the audible signals and can be used in conjunction with the audible signals or
alone. The disadvantages are that the person would first need to locate the device on the signal pole, and
only one person can use the device at a time. On the other hand, these devices may be less confusing at
intersections that operate differently from a standard four-way intersection, or for those which are not
strictly north-south-east-west oriented.
A high-tech option that is becoming available is one that operates via transmitted aUdible signal criteria.
The person carries a device that receives information from companion devices placed on City streets and
then receives a personal message as to location and whether it is safe to cross. This type of device
appears to be fairly expensive and requires a commitment on the part of the jurisdiction as far as installing
on-street transmitters and providing receivers to residents and visitors.
Neighboring Cities
The City of San Ramon has been the most aggressive of Dublin' s neighbors in installing APS. San
Ramon installs the "chirper" type devices at all non-residential area intersections, regardless of whether a
request has been received. At this time, San Ramon has avoided installing these in residential areas
because the sound may be disturbing to the residents.
The City of Pleasanton installs APS on a request basis and has about six to date. The location is evaluated
prior to installing the device.
The City of Livermore also installs APS on a request basis and'has installed one vibrotactile unit, since
the request was for a residential location.
The Caltrans Traffic Manual includes a set of criteria that should be investigated when evaluating an
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intersection for APS. The criteria include establishing need, determining that the intersection is suitable
for the use of APS, and requiring the requesting organization (if any) to train the visually impaired to use
the APS.
Dublin Residents
It has.been difficult to locate residents who might use the devices in order to determine specific
intersections for installation. Staff did contact Mrs. Lovell, who made the original request. She indicated
that she would still like to see the APS installed at the Village Parkway/Lewis intersection to help her
access the post office. An additional intersection along her route to the post office is Amador
Valley/Amador Plaza. The other location Mrs. Lovell felt would be helpful is the Dublin
Boulevard/Golden Gate intersection. This is a major bus stop location, and the accessibility of the bus
stops could be improved. Mrs. Lovell stated that she belongs to a local group of visually impaired
residents, and she would ask the group if there were any other suggestions at the next meeting.
In terms of priorities, if the City Council wishes to begin providing APS at' Dublin intersections, Staff
recommends beginning with those which are requested by residents such as Mrs. Lovell. In the future,
these requests could be reviewed by the Traffic Safety Committee for appropriateness and possible
inclusion in the budget. If the program is to be expanded in the future, Staff would then recommend
locating the APS where pedestrian traffic volume is highest, particularly in areas that are used by the
general public such as shopping or transit areas. Wholesale installation of the devices at all intersections
is not recommended at this time; if the Council so desires, a more intensive study could be undertaken.
Staff recommends that the City Council review the information included in this report and provide
direction regarding inclusion of APS in the 2000-2001 Capital Improvement Program.
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