Pedestrian signal indications are often misunderstood. The walk symbol (the white man) indicates when it is “okay to start crossing the intersection”. This walk time is usually only 4 to 7 seconds in length and depends on the number of pedestrians usually crossing. The flashing hand lets pedestrians know that you shouldn’t start walking (don’t leave the curb), but should finish crossing if already within the crosswalk. This time varies and is based on the time it will take the pedestrian to cross from curb to curb at a conservative rate of 3.5 feet per second. This means as long as you have left the curb during the walk indication, you have enough time to cross before vehicle traffic is allowed to proceed. This last point is often confusing to pedestrians. The solid hand indicates that pedestrians should not be in the crosswalk whatsoever. |
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