What is a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon?

A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is designed specifically to enhance safety at crosswalks where pedestrians wish to cross a busy roadway. It functions as a pedestrian-controlled traffic signal, allowing pedestrians to activate the beacon when they need to cross. When the beacon is activated, it provides a clear signal to drivers to stop, thereby facilitating safer crossings for pedestrians.

This type of beacon is not a permanent traffic light, which is typically used for continuous traffic flow and is designed to manage vehicular movement rather than specifically aid pedestrian crossings. It also differs from an emergency vehicle signal that is used to clear traffic for responding emergency vehicles. Additionally, it is not a parking signal; parking signals are focused on managing vehicle parking rather than pedestrian safety. The main purpose of the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon is to give pedestrians a means to safely navigate across busy streets, making it an essential component of pedestrian-friendly urban design.