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 communicating when it is safe to cross using sounds and a vibrating button that indicate the walk cycle. Recognizing these benefits to pedestrians with blindness or low vision, many cities provide request forms for residents to propose locations for APS to be installed. However, despite the clear benefits, the widespread installation of APS is often delayed by a combination of financial and logistical challenges.
Why Cities Want APS
First, APS installations are regulated by federal mandates like the Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which specify that cities must make crosswalks accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes installing APS near the curb ramps for each crossing, at least 10 feet apart so the audible signals are not confusing.
Second, for cities committed to inclusivity, installing APS is a clear step for more equitable streets. APS make intersections safer for all pedestrians, including seniors and children. By enhancing safety and accessibility, cities can improve quality of life, foster independence for residents with disabilities, and create a pedestrian-friendly environment that benefits everyone.
And third, accessible infrastructure can boost local economies, as it attracts more foot traffic and supports a broader range of residents and visitors.
Challenges to Installation
Despite these benefits, cost is arguably the biggest factor delaying APS installation. APS devices are not expensive but installing them in existing intersections can be costly due to excavation for new wiring and pole foundations, which requires skilled labor and specialized equipment. On average, improving accessibility at a single intersection can cost tens of thousands of dollars—a significant expense for many city budgets, especially those already stretched thin by other infrastructure needs.
Logistics are also a challenge for cities seeking to improve accessibility. Retrofitting existing intersections to accommodate APS is not always straightforward, especially in urban areas where space is limited for city workers and traffic disruptions need to be minimized. Traditional intersection upgrades require extensive construction work that can take weeks to complete, causing inconvenience to drivers, pedestrians, and local businesses affected by the prolonged construction.
Cities are allocating substantial funds to improve street safety and accessibility, including a $1.55 billion investment by Seattle in pedestrian safety initiatives. While this funding allows for crucial upgrades like APS, competing priorities can limit how quickly these improvements can be implemented citywide (Seattle Times).
The Path Forward
To overcome these barriers, some cities are exploring new wireless technology that simplifies the installation process, such as the Wireless Ped System (WPS) by Polara. These systems can be installed without trenching or rewiring, significantly reducing labor, time, and cost. By eliminating wires for data and power, they allow APS to be placed where it is needed for accessibility without disrupting underground utilities. The Wireless Ped System includes the option for a surface-mount pole – allowing faster installation without changing the existing sidewalks. By making APS easier, affordable, and flexible to install, cities can make faster progress in creating accessible, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. With the combined support of local investments and federal funding initiatives, the path toward more inclusive cities becomes clearer, empowering everyone to move safely and confidently through urban environments.
