Pedestrian hybrid beacons

Information

How does a pedestrian hybrid beacon work?

A pedestrian hybrid beacon is designed to help people walk across busy streets. While different in appearance to a person driving, to a person walking this signal works the same as any button-activated traffic signal. It stops traffic with a red signal allowing people walking or biking to cross safely.

A 3d rendering showing a crosswalk with a hybrid beacon
Image courtesy NACTO

How to use

Using a pedestrian hybrid beacon is easy. Simply push the button and wait for the WALK signal to appear. It may take up to one minute for the signal to change, depending on the time of day. Be sure traffic has stopped before you enter the crosswalk. The FLASHING DON’T WALK signal will appear as you finish your crossing. Countdown numbers will show how much time remains to cross the street.

Pedestrian hybrid beacon pedestrian sequence

An image showing the sequence of a pedestrian hybrid beacon


1. The signal remains DARK for traffic unless a person walking activates the push-button.Pedestrian hybrid beacon motorist sequence

A hybrid beacon with all lights off

2. When a person walking presses the button, approaching drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW signal for a few seconds, indicating that the signal has been activated.

A hybrid beacon with the bottom yellow light flashing

3. The flashing yellow is followed by a SOLID YELLOW signal, indicating that people driving should reduce speed and be prepared to stop.

A hybrid beacon with the bottom yellow light solid

4. The solid yellow is followed by double SOLID RED signals, requiring people driving to stop

A hybrid beacon with the top two red lights solid

5. The double solid red signals are followed by double FLASHING RED signals. The signal will then go dark until activated again by a person walking.

A hybrid beacon with the top two red lights flashing

During the double FLASHING RED signal indication, people driving are required to come to a full STOP, but may proceed when people walking have cleared the crosswalk and it is safe to proceed.

Side Street Traffic

Unlike a standard traffic signal, intersections with pedestrian hybrid beacon do not have any traffic signals facing the side street approaches. Any side street that is controlled by a stop sign will continue to be controlled by a stop sign when a pedestrian hybrid beacon is in place.