Pedestrian Signals

Pedestrian signals consist of the illuminated words WALK (or symbolic person) and DON'T WALK (or symbolic hand). The meanings of the indications are as follows:

A steady, WALK or symbolic person display means that a pedestrian may enter the roadway and proceed in the direction of the indication.

A flashing, DON'T WALK or symbolic hand display means that a pedestrian may not start to cross the roadway in the direction of the indication, but that the pedestrian who has partly completed crossing during the steady WALK may continue crossing.

A steady DON'T WALK display means that a pedestrian cannot legally start crossing the roadway.



There are two types of pedestrian signals; those with pedestrian detectors (Push to Walk buttons) and those without detection. When pedestrian detectors are present they must be pushed to receive a "WALK" signal.

Pedestrian signals assign right of way to pedestrians; however, they are no guarantee of safety. Pedestrians still have to exercise sound judgement when crossing a roadway. The following suggestions are offered in the interest of safety:

Before crossing a signalized intersection, ALWAYS push the pedestrian detector if one is present.
Begin your crossing when the WALK appears. Don't panic when the indication turns to flashing DON'T WALK - there is still adequate time to complete crossing before opposing traffic is released.
If no pedestrian signal is available, ALWAYS cross at the beginning of the green traffic signal display.
Whenever crossing a roadway, regardless of the presence or absence of pedestrian signals, minimize the time you spend in the roadway.
ALWAYS be attentive and watch for vehicles turning across your path. By law, vehicles have to yield to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection. However, in any contest of right of way between pedestrians and vehicles the pedestrian will ALWAYS lose.

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