APS FAQs
Q: Are these new contact-free pedestrian pushbuttons equipped with Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) features that will benefit visually impaired pedestrians?
A: Yes, and they are MUTCD compliant. They are equipped with vibrotactile arrows, locator tones, and may be programmed to operate with percussive walk tone or speech walk message and wait message to benefit the visually impaired. These contact-free APS pushbuttons shall have both audible and vibrotactile walk indications.
Q: Can I still use the pushbutton?
A: Yes, one can still use the pushbutton that is provided.
Q: How do I identify which pushbuttons have the contact-free feature?
A: The contact-free pushbutton has a sign that has been approved for use in CA. The special sign reads, "PUSH OR WAVE AT BUTTON". When you see this sign on the pushbutton then it has additional method to activate the signal in addition to the pushbutton press.
Q: How does it work?
A: It uses infrared technology or radar to detect the presence of a hand or other objects within a few inches from the pushbutton to detect and place a pedestrian crossing request. This technology is widely used in many applications already like paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers, etc.
Q: How does one go about getting these installed?
A: Please talk to your city traffic engineering department and see if they are considering installing these devices or any other methods. If the intersection is on County Expressways or County maintained intersections, please send us a service request by visiting our website at https://roads.santaclaracounty.gov. All requests will be evaluated and if it meets certain criteria then we will install these devices.
Q: How many times do I have to wave my hand to get recognized?
A: Just once or twice depending on how fast you are waving. Fast wave motions are sometimes not recognized to prevent false calls. One should hand wave within 3 inches of the pushbutton and do this again slowly if it is not detected on the first time. Holding your hand in front of the wave sensors or pressing the pushbutton for 2 seconds or longer will provide a more detailed verbal “WAIT” message specifying the road you are crossing.
Q: How will I know if my hand wave was recognized?
A: The hand wave recognition is limited to about 3" away from the pushbutton to prevent false calls. When your hand wave is detected, the small red light on the pushbutton lights up and you will also hear the verbal "WAIT" message. This is the same confirmation you get when you push the pushbutton.
Q: I am a person in a wheelchair, and I have difficulty reaching the pushbutton, will this help me?
A: Please report the location that you are having difficulty reaching the pushbutton to the city traffic engineering department. If this is at a signalized intersection on the expressways or in the unincorporated area, then report this to the County through service request on our website at https://roads.santaclaracounty.gov. We will try to correct that issue. This contact-free pushbutton still requires someone to reach within 3 inches of the pushbutton to activate.
Q: What are some of the criteria you are using to select intersections?
A: Currently, we are using the pedestrian volume at signalized intersections as the main criteria. We will also be adding these near schools and major transit stops to further expand this program. In addition, we will be adding these devices to all new traffic signal projects to further expand installing these devices.
Q: What is it?
A: It is a new device that can detect hand wave in front of the pedestrian pushbutton to recognize and request for a pedestrian crossing at traffic signals. This is similar to pushing a pedestrian pushbutton which is also available for use. There are hand wave sensors on the APS assembly.
Q: What to do if my hand wave is not recognized?
A: Try to do the hand wave slowly and make sure that you are less than 3 inches away from the pushbutton. If it still does not detect, use the pedestrian pushbutton on the device to activate the pedestrian crossing. Please report this problem via service request link on our website at https://roads.santaclaracounty.gov. A technician will be dispatched to troubleshoot the device and fix any issues.
Q: Why can't signals be set to provide pedestrian crossing time every cycle and remove the pushbuttons altogether?
A: Providing pedestrian crossing time every cycle with or without pedestrians will lead to very inefficient way to operate the traffic signals and can lead to an unnecessary increase in tailpipe emissions, unintended consequences, and impacts safety at signalized intersections. Some signal locations are suitable for this type of treatment, but most others will require pedestrians to activate the pedestrian crossing time.
Q: Why is this needed?
A: Due to COVID-19, the pushbuttons at the traffic signals have been of some concern to pedestrians as it requires pedestrians to touch and push the button to request pedestrian crossing time. This device eliminates the need to touch and press. It can be activated by slow hand wave motion in front of the pushbutton within 3 inches from the pushbutton sensor.