After new traffic signals were activated March 2, pedestrians and bicyclists have a safer route while crossing Rural Road and McClintock Drive on the newly completed Western Canal multi-use path.
Motorists, however, are still getting used to the new crosswalk system.
The intersections utilize beacon signals, called High-intensity Activated crosswalks, or HAWKs, designed to make crossing easier for pedestrians and bicyclists while minimizing the wait time for motorists, Tanya Chavez, a Tempe transportation spokeswoman, said.
“It’s a useful tool for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross streets,” Chavez said. “The public feedback has been largely positive, with a few driver concerns regarding what to do during the toggling red light sequence.”
A line of horn-honking drivers was a frequent sight during weekend traffic on Saturday, April 24, while motorists remained stopped at the intersections’ flashing red lights.
When a path-user activates the signal lights, a blinking yellow light warns motorists approaching the intersection. A solid red light follows, letting motorists know to stop. The beacon signal then switches to an alternating flashing red light. Chavez said some motorists are getting confused during this sequence, despite public information strategies.
“A toggling red light means that, if you are a motorist, you can proceed (after stopping) as long as there is no one in the crosswalk,” she said. She emphasized, however, the importance of stopping first.
Residents can watch a how-to video on the new HAWK signals on YouTube, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x92c5SHc8yM .
Chavez said the HAWK signals are new to Tempe, and the city is “evaluating how motorists are reacting to it.” HAWKs originated in Tucson, where more than 80 signals have been installed. The signals are also being used in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Peoria.
Patricia Berning and her son, Zach, who co-own Berning’s Fine Jewelry at McClintock Drive and Warner Road, are enthusiastic about the new system. Both are sponsors of “Bike to Work/School” Day during the Tempe Bike Month in April, cooking up a free breakfast outside of their business for residents biking to work and school that day.
“I’m thrilled, because I hear so many of our customers saying they have used it, and now they can get across the streets safely,” Patricia Berning said. “That’s a big issue.”
The Western Canal originally had no crosswalk, forcing joggers and bicyclists to cross McClintock and Rural at intersections north and south of the canal.
“Prior to that (HAWKs) being in place, there was always someone standing in the middle of the street, trying to run across between cars,” Zach Berning said. “It was a major obstacle.”
Patricia Berning said she saw some confusion with the alternating flashing red lights, and it is something motorists need to get used to.
“You just have to go through it a couple times,” she said. “Anything new can be confusing.”
Chavez said it will take time for motorists to catch on with the new system, but she is optimistic that drivers will learn from each other.
Planning for the $11 million Western Canal multi-use path began 10 years ago, Tempe senior planner Eric Iwersen said. The city received funding from local tax dollars and federal grants in 2001, and it became eligible for spending two years ago, he said.
The path runs six miles, winding through schools and parks from Arizona Mills Mall to Price Road. The path includes new lighting systems and public art by Arizona artist Laurie Lundquist.
“It is in the city’s transportation plan, and general plan, to develop pathways along the canal system,” Iwersen said.
“City council members have been talking about this for 25 to 30 years.”
Iwersen said he anticipates more of the crossing systems along the canal system to provide more opportunities for non-motorized travel.
