San Pablo Avenue has new pedestrian-activated crosswalk signals



San Pablo Avenue has a new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon signal, also known as a HAWK (High-intensity Activated cross WalK) signal. This signal, installed by Caltrans, is activated by pedestrians or cyclists to stop car traffic so walkers can safely cross a large street like San Pablo Avenue. This new one is located where Eureka Avenue and Columbia Avenue align across San Pablo Avenue. This street alignment is one of the few places on San Pablo Avenue where east/west travel across the Avenue is possible without having to travel a distance on the Avenue to get to another east/west street.


How does a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon work? After a pedestrian pushes the activation button, the signal will turn yellow warning cars to prepare to stop, then the signal goes to solid red as in the photograph above, and there is a countdown “WALK” signal for pedestrians. Cars must stop while pedestrians cross. After a short interval, the red lights will flash signaling to the motorists that if the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians, then motorists may start moving and drive through much as when they stop at a stop sign. When the signal has not been activated, no lights are visible and the intersection functions as a regular crosswalk.


How this new installation will work for bicycle riders remains to be seen. It would be better if sensors in the road pavement could sense bicycles waiting to cross so they don’t have to go up on the sidewalk to push a button, or a button was provided right next to the roadway. Nevertheless, this installation is a good first step in the right direction. Caltrans is also installing many of these Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley and other locations.


Image above: New HAWK signal on San Pablo Avenue


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