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 of sidewalk. A push button installed more than 5 feet from the side of the curb ramp. These are common conditions in existing infrastructure, and correcting them often means trenching, new foundations, sidewalk work, or relocating poles.
The Articulating Ped Extender (APE) gives agencies another option.
A practical tool for better APS placement
APE is designed to help agencies position Polara APS and AID push buttons where they need to be, without rebuilding the corner. Instead of moving the pole, APE moves the push button.
APE extends the button up to 24 inches from the pole and allows precise orientation toward the crosswalk. This helps agencies address common placement challenges while avoiding more costly infrastructure work.
Where APE is needed
Many existing intersections were not built with today’s APS placement requirements in mind. APE helps address common field conditions that can prevent proper access or alignment.
- Access obstructed by raised base
PROWAG requires clear space and reach at pedestrian push buttons for users of mobility devices. When a pole is mounted on a raised base, these requirements are not met. APE extends the button into the accessible reach zone without relocating the pole. - Pole in grass or off the paved path
PROWAG requires a stable surface and clear space so users of mobility devices can access push buttons. When the pole is installed in grass or off the paved path, these requirements are not met. APE extends the push button over the sidewalk to provide compliant reach and stable access. - Access blocked by guardrail or barrier
When a rail or barrier blocks direct access, the push button may be positioned behind the user path. APE projects the button past the obstruction to restore practical access. - Push button too far from crosswalk
PROWAG requires pedestrian push buttons to be located no more than 5 feet from the side of the curb ramp. When installed beyond this distance, placement does not meet recommended guidelines. APE brings the button closer to the crossing point to support compliant placement and alignment.
Why articulation matters
Placement is only part of the requirement. Orientation matters too.
The raised arrow on a push button provides directional information for blind and low-vision pedestrians. APE allows up to 90° of left or right adjustment with indexed locking teeth, helping align the button and arrow with the crosswalk.
This is especially useful when the existing pole is offset, angled, or located along a curved curb line. In those conditions, extension alone is not enough. The articulating feature helps achieve correct orientation.
Built for Polara systems
APE is compatible with Polara APS and AID push button systems, including iDS, iNS, iDX, and iNX. It is available in four extension sizes (6″, 12″, 18″, and 24″) to match common field conditions, and in three powder-coated color options (gray, black, and yellow) to align with Polara push button systems and maintain a consistent streetscape appearance.
Concealed wiring and no accessible fasteners after installation help resist tampering and vandalism, while the integrated design maintains a clean, consistent streetscape.
A new path to compliance
Accessibility often comes down to details: the distance from the curb ramp, the surface beneath the user, the reach to the button, and the direction of the arrow.
The Articulating Ped Extender helps agencies address those details without turning every placement issue into a major construction project.
It is a practical tool for improving APS placement and helping communities move closer to accessible, usable intersections.
Visit the product page for more information
