Audible beaconing is a feature that is included in some Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS). It is only activated when pedestrians utilize the extended press feature. An extended press is when you hold the button for longer than a second.
Accessible pedestrian signals (APS) use sound, raised arrows, and vibration, to inform pedestrians with vision disabilities of the Walk, Pedestrian Clearance, or Don’t Walk status changes. These are not your basic push buttons that do not emit sound or vibration. In fact, when using those basic push buttons, you may find yourself asking if they even work. Since they do not indicate if the call has been placed, you are in limbo waiting. Imagine what that is like if you are visually impaired.
Audible beaconing provides additional audible information to pedestrians with vision disabilities. Not only does it state when the walk signal is on, but it also states where the other side of the road is. The MUTCD explains audible signals are meant to help pedestrians “home in on the signal that is located on the far end of the crosswalk as they cross the street.” (Section 4E.13.04).
Whether or not an APS has audible beaconing, it emits a beep at regular intervals to help guide vision-disabled pedestrians toward the button. This is known as a Locator Tone, this sound is designed to be audible from 6-10 feet away.
If audible beaconing is activated with the extended press feature, it projects the destination beacon tone through the external speaker mounted on the pedestrian signal head at the destination side of the crosswalk. This is done to prevent confusion between the locator tone and the destination beacon tone.
Destination Beaconing
PedSafety’s Audible Beacon Device (ABD) allows for audible beaconing at all intersections. The ABD is ideal for large, high-traffic intersections or intersections with no APS devices but needs to meet MUTCD and ADA guidelines with APS messages or tones. In these cases, it serves as a speaker and relays messages to help pedestrians cross the street safely.
True Destination Beaconing
Only by utilizing the Audible Beacon Device and the Guardian APS unit can you gain access to advanced broadcast functionality and true destination beaconing.
What Does That Mean?
The volume of this auxiliary speaker can be adjusted independently of the APS station so that the pedestrian can hear the distinctive beacon tone during the pedestrian clearance time from the end of the first lane to the end of the crosswalk. This helps the visually impaired stay within the crosswalk and not wander into the street. In fact, the Ambient Gain Control controls the volume levels and adjusts based on the surroundings. So the sound will not disturb local businesses or neighborhoods.
The APS beacon is initiated only by the press of a button longer than one second. This means it will be rarely actuated, and therefore unlikely to be objectionable to neighbors. This device does not replace the APS station or push button but rather enhances them.
In Action
During the pedestrian clearance interval at approximately the end of the first lane of the crossing, users hear an audible destination beacon tone that is broadcast from a speaker at the destination end of the crosswalk. The distinct percussive tone allows the pedestrians who are vision disabled to home on the destination beacon, adjusting their heading so they remain in the crosswalk until they reach the final destination point at the end of the crosswalk.
Outside of the Crosswalk
The Audible Beacon Device (ABD) was made with metro applications in mind. It can provide informational messages for transit and light rail applications. There are studies out there where people are utilizing apps to communicate with the visually impaired. However, in the case where a phone is on low battery, there is no service, or someone does not have a smartphone, these apps are not inclusive or easily accessible as you would think. This device works with any push button to relay transit schedules and updates. What’s a better way to promote inclusivity and accessibility at your metro station?
