scope:

This report presents the findings of the ITE Committee on Automated Pedestrian Detection (APD) on the North American experience and the potential for expanded, effective use of APD devices. As there is increasing interest in promoting safe walking to improve public health and air quality while reducing congestion, this report comes at an opportune time. Recent changes to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) recommending longer signalized crossing times may also increase agency interest in using automated detection of pedestrians to "fine tune" crossing times to individual walking speeds. The report describes the range and effectiveness of APD devices, as well as liability, maintenance, and accessibility issues.