In the fall of 2015 a pedestrian safety study funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) was conducted around the campus of Bowling Green State University. The goal of the study was to identify the locations that may require marked crosswalks. As a result, ODOT, in cooperation with Bowling Green State University and the City of Bowling Green, installed four marked crosswalks along East Wooster Street also funded by ODOT. The four crosswalks include two traditional crosswalks with refuge islands and two crosswalks that feature pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHB).
The two traditional crosswalks were installed at Founders (just east of Manville and Wooster) and just west of the Falcon Health Center. The two PHBs were installed across from McFall (just east of Troup Street) and at the Stroh Center.
Activated by a pedestrian push-button, PHBs provide a red stop light to motorists approaching the crosswalk. By alerting and controlling drivers with a pedestrian-activated beacon warning system, pedestrians can more safely and easily cross the street at marked crosswalks. The beacon consists of three lights – two red lights over one yellow light.
The beacon is dark until a pedestrian hits the activation button, at which time the yellow light will begin blinking followed by a solid yellow light – alerting motorists to prepare to stop. Solid red lights will then be displayed telling drivers that they must stop while pedestrians cross. Once the red lights begin to blink, motorists may proceed if the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians. At the conclusion of the lighting sequence, the blinking red lights will stop and the beacon will go dark again.
The entire interval at both locations will be programmed to last approximately 30 seconds.
Visit the City’s website at www.bgohio.org for more information or to watch an informational video about the use of a PHB or call the Engineering Division with questions at 419-354-6227.
