ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS (APS)
An Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) is a device that communicates information about the WALK and DON’T WALK phases at signalized intersections in non-visual formats (i.e. audible messages and vibrotactile indications) to pedestrians with vision and hearing loss.
pedestrians killed yearly
32 MILLION
adults in the U.S. have vision loss
oF THE WOrld’s population experience disability
pedestrians killed yearly
adults in the U.S. have vision loss
15%
world’s population experience disability
Accessibility Requirements
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Federal law that requires agencies to make public facilities accessible.
- Agencies must ensure equal access to services and communications
- Operable parts must be usable with one hand
- Must not require more than 5 lbs force to operate
Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines (ADA)
Technical standards that cover pedestrian access to public rights of way.
- APS must be provided at all street crossings with pedestrian signals
- Crosswalks must be upgraded to APS whenever the signal controller and software are altered, or the signal head is replaced
- APS and push buttons must comply with MUTCD sections 4E.08 – 4E.13
Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Guidance and standards for traffic control devices on public roadways.
- APS must clearly indicate which crossing is served by each device
- Must feature both audible and vibrotactile walk indications
- Must have a locator tone that beeps for .15 seconds or less, and repeat at 1-second intervals
What are accessible pedestrian signals?
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) are specialized devices designed to help pedestrians who are visually impaired or blind cross streets safely. They provide audible and/or vibrotactile information about pedestrian crossing times and traffic signal phases.
What are accessible pedestrian signals?
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) are specialized devices designed to help pedestrians who are visually impaired or blind cross streets safely. They provide audible and/or vibrotactile information about pedestrian crossing times and traffic signal phases.
MEET THE iDS
A flexible & feature-rich touchless Accessible Pedestrian Signal
- Communicates information about the signal phases at intersections in non-visual formats for pedestrians with vision and hearing loss
- Touchless activation with accurate, customizable radar (iDS)
- Compact push button station with ultra-durable Hall-effect switch rated to 20 million+ operations
- Program wirelessly from your phone, without costly devices or software
- ADA, MUTCD, PROWAG, and Buy America compliant; ISO 9001:2015 certified
- The only APS on the market that can be easily installed at both pre-timed crosswalks (using a three-wire ped head system) and pedestrian actuated crosswalks (using a two-wire cabinet system)
LEARN
Pedestrian Safety and Universal Access
Featured ArticleAmerican Council of the Blind versus the City of New York
New York City has more than 13,000 intersections. The problem is, the vast majority are not accessible to people who are blind or have vision impairments. But that's about to change, after a federal judge ruled that the city must upgrade its signals to audible pedestrian signals (APS) by 2031–a move that will set a new standard for pedestrian accessibility in cities and beyond.
PROWAG Crosswalk Requirements
prowagPROWAG is a set of technical specifications developed by the U.S. Access Board to help transportation professionals create accessible routes along public streets. It mandates APS anywhere a pedestrian signal is provided, and is widely expected to become an enforceable standard in 2023.
February 28, 2023 Link
Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) Features
APS technology is constantly improving and new features are being added to help pedestrians with vision and hearing loss get around safely and confidently. Here are some of the main features you should be aware of. Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) have come a long way since the first cuckoo-chirp, pedhead-mounted systems appeared in U.S. […]
February 25, 2023 Link
Polara Partners with Vance Street Capital
Polara has just partnered with an outstanding and very successful private equity firm called Vance Street Capital. Polara has tremendous growth opportunities ahead of us. This partnership with Vance Street Capital will provide us with their expert advice and capital to allow us to invest in and improve existing processes and accelerate new product development. […]
December 6, 2021 Link
Accessible Pedestrian Signal FAQs
What are accessible pedestrian signals (APS)?
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) are devices that provide auditory, visual, and tactile information to pedestrians with vision and hearing loss so they can know when it is safe to cross at a signalized intersection. They essentially translate pedestrian warning signals to other sensory formats, enabling people with disabilities to navigate cities safely and comfortably. [Learn more about APS]
Who are APS for?
Although APS are generally targeted toward people who are blind or have vision loss, their benefits are not limited to a single demographic. Correctly installed and configured, they are a key component of an accessible, inclusive transportation system, facilitating safe, autonomous mobility regardless of age or ability.
What APS features should I know about?
Modern APS come with a variety of features designed to help pedestrians with vision and hearing loss navigate intersections safely and confidently. These include, but are not limited to, locator tones, tactile arrows, audible and vibrotactile indications, touchless activation and more. [See more features]
What laws and requirements do you need to follow for APS?
Mobility is a human right, and in the U.S., a number of federal laws and regulations exist to protect this right. The three main ones you should be aware of when it comes to APS are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), and the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). [Learn more about accessibility requirements]
What are the ADA distance requirements for push buttons? (distance from curb, from other buttons, clear space around the pole, etc.)
Here’s a link to our handy guide!
What’s the difference between APS and audible information devices (AID)?
What’s the difference between a 2- and 3-wire APS?
Broadly speaking, two-wire systems are designed for intersections where pedestrian signals and call buttons are already present, and three-wire systems are for intersections without them. A two-wire system installs in the traffic cabinet; a three-wire installs in the ped head. Learn more about Polara’s 2- versus 3-wire systems.
What is the difference between the iDS and the iNS?
The iNS is our standard accessible crosswalk push button station. The iDS includes all of the quality and features of the iNS, plus it has iDetect, an intelligent radar motion-detection sensor for touchless activation.