Blog
APE: Extending Access on Existing Poles
Accessible pedestrian signals are only as effective as their placement. Standards such as PROWAG and MUTCD define expectations for push button location, reach, orientation, and usability. In practice, many intersections fall short. Not because the wrong equipment was selected, but because the pole is in the wrong place. A raised base. A guardrail. Grass instead […]
May 5, 2026Ask an Expert: How does the Wireless Ped System handle power, connectivity, and security?
Polara’s Wireless Pedestrian System, or WPS, is a solar-powered surface-mount ped pole with a wireless connection to a control unit in the pedestrian signal head, allowing accessible pedestrian signals (APS) to quickly and easily be retrofit into existing intersections. The WPS bolts to the existing sidewalk and does not need any wires for power […]
March 28, 2025Accessible Pedestrian Signals are desired by engineers, city councils and citizens… so what’s holding up adoption?
Cities across the country are working hard to create safer, more accessible streets for all residents, including those with disabilities. One of the most impactful tools for achieving this goal is the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at crosswalk intersections. APS are designed to increase safety and independence for pedestrians with visual disabilities by […]
November 13, 2024Unlocking Federal Funding for Accessible Pedestrian Signals
We often hear the objection, “There’s just no money for APS.” While we’ve found many ways to minimize installation costs for APS, ADA compliance can increase the cost of sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals. If agency budgets were already tight, this additional expense may seem to put accessible signals out of reach, especially since most […]
April 8, 2024History of U.S Crosswalk Accessibility Laws, 1968-2023
This article explores the history of U.S federal accessibility laws and regulations related to the public right-of-way, to give the context in which PROWAG was developed.
November 28, 2023PROWAG final rule published: New accessibility standards coming to public streets
After more than two decades of hard work by the US Access Board, disability advocates, and members of the public, the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) were published today as a final rule in the Federal Register. They will take effect September 7, and will become enforceable once they are adopted by the US Department of […]
August 8, 2023SS4A for Accessible Pedestrian Signals
An historic 7,485 pedestrians were killed while walking in the U.S. in 2021, according to data collected by the Governors Highway Safety Association. These deaths are both tragic and preventable: changes to roadway design and safety treatments, including accessibility improvements, are proven to reduce pedestrian deaths and serious injuries. >>>Download the Guide – Polara SS4A […]
April 5, 2023Accessible 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, ped head-mounted systems appeared in U.S. […]
February 25, 2023What is an Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS)?
APS provide essential information and safety to pedestrians with disabilities by alerting them to the status of the walk cycle via auditory, visual, and tactile cues.
February 24, 20232-wire versus 3-wire APS: What’s the difference and which do I need?
Polara's APS has two operation modes for different kinds of intersections. This article explains the key differences of 2-wire versus 3-wire APS to help you select the one that’s right for your intersection.
February 24, 2023