Pedestrian Signal
ELM-PDS-15 Pedestrian Signal
Working assessment: this pattern’s status reflects a preliminary Commonway System judgment call, pending final review.
#Why this pattern exists
A vehicle-only signal phase gives pedestrians no explicit information about when or how long they have to cross; a pedestrian signal makes crossing timing an intentional, communicated part of the intersection’s operation. This pattern exists to document its own timing and placement considerations distinct from the vehicle signal it operates alongside.
#Key considerations
- Crossing time allotted must accommodate a range of pedestrian walking speeds, not just an average adult pace
- Should be provided at every signalized crossing where pedestrian activity is legal, not treated as optional
- Countdown displays improve pedestrian decision-making at the crossing’s edge and should be the default over a simple walk/don’t-walk indication
#Related patterns
Traffic Signal (ELM-TFS-14) (the companion vehicle control this pattern coordinates with); Curb Ramp (ELM-CRP-03), Detectable Warning Surface (ELM-DWS-10) (companion accessibility elements)
Unsourced claim
Formal citations for this pattern have not yet been compiled from primary sources.