Recreational Path Intersection Safety

By Ken Block, President of Cross Alert Systems, Inc.

The radio signal can reach 500 feet from the intersection, which makes it possible to install an advance-warning pole that can sit 500 feet in front of the intersection and flash to warn the driver when path activity is detected at the intersection.
A. Poor Sight Distance
B. Crosswalk not easily visible to vehicles
C. Parked car at intersection impedes visibility

A large and growing network of rail trails, greenways and other recreational paths provide a safe area for path users to recreate away from vehicular traffic. Creating a safe intersection crossing for these trails where they intersect public roadways is an ongoing challenge, particularly at mid-block crossings.

Safety Options at Intersections

There are several different options available to address safety concerns at these intersections. Static road signs, for example, mark the crossing and warn vehicles of the upcoming path. Twenty-four hour flashing amber beacons also provide this warning. Path user-activated warning lights are another option that present flashing amber warning lights to approaching vehicles ?EUR??,,????'?????<

An active waring system compensates for dangerous road and path issues.
A. Poor Sight Distance
B. Telephone poles impede visibility
C. No sign at crosswalk intersection

Selecting a Safety Option

Several factors are frequently taken into account when selecting a treatment for a given intersection:
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The safest solutions are often the most expensive to implement. Grade separation of the trail and road does not interrupt the flow of traffic, but can cost anywhere from several hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars. A fully functioning crosswalk that stops traffic to allow path users to cross can run from $50,000 to $150,000. There is often hesitancy to install this type of device due to the disruption of motor vehicle traffic flow. Crossings with multiple lanes of traffic and higher vehicle speeds require one of these solutions to most safely get path users across the road.

A lower cost solution provides what is known as an active warning to motorists that path users are at the intersection. Path users can activate this type of device either via a push button, or the device can detect path users and automatically flash warning lights (passive detection). Active warnings have been shown to be more effective than either static signs or 24 hour flashing signals. The latter devices are frequently ignored by motorists over time because they are always there and tend to blend into the surroundings. When an active warning light is flashing, motorists will see a path user near the intersection, providing reinforcement that when the warning light is flashing extra precaution should be taken when approaching the intersection.

In our research leading up to the development of this system, we were surprised at how many path users did not activate a push button when one was present to facilitate a crossing.

This pole can easily be seen by the path user, alerting them to any oncoming vehicles. In 2004, this installation in Sanford, Fla. took direct hits from hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne. The system survived the extreme weather unscathed, requiring no repairs or maintenance.

Active warning

The system is an active warning device that detects path users passively using infrared detection. In our research leading up to the development of this system, we were surprised at how many path users did not activate a push button when one was present to facilitate a crossing. Common reasons given for not utilizing the push button included the button?EUR??,,????'?????<

Also, an astonishingly high number of path users of all ability levels would enter quieter intersections recklessly (at a high enough rate of speed that the path user would be unable to stop if a motor vehicle was entering the intersection). This behavior was observed even when the intersection was completely blind.

A surprise in the research was that intersections with quieter streets were often more dangerous than busier crossings. Path users tended to enter the quieter intersections more aggressively, knowing that the likelihood of an approaching car was low.

ABOVE: Taken from the car?EUR??,,????'?????<

BELOW: Now the driver can see the flashing light in plenty of time to react.

Design considerations

To provide the most cost effective safety solution for mid-block crossings, we designed our motion activated system to be solar powered, utilizing radio signals for communications between poles. This design decision eliminates all wiring and electrical installation costs, although a model is available that can be wired into the electric grid. In our design considerations, we wanted to reinforce to the path user that the user should stop before entering the crossing. This is accomplished with a stop sign and a flashing red light that is activated when the pole detects path activity. An integrated trail counter makes available a count of the number of trail users who have crossed the intersection.

Planner feedback

An intersection system has been operating in Coventry, RI for about a year where the Coventry Greenway intersects State Highway 117. Coventry Parks and Recreation Department Director Guy Lefebvre noted that, ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Designed for the real world

Whenever a pole is placed in the ground along a roadway, engineering consideration must be given to the possibility of vehicle/pole crashes, wind storms, lightning strikes and other catastrophes. In Arkansas, a device was struck and knocked down by a truck (successfully testing the breakaway abilities of the pole). Motorist/vehicle damage was minimized as designed. A replacement base was shipped out which was welded to the pole, minimizing the effort necessary to get the pole back in operational order.

Addressing safety concerns at recreational path/public road intersections is becoming increasingly important as path building and use accelerates. Active warning systems play an increasingly important role as an affordable safety solution for mid-block crossings.

For more information, specifications or a brochure about the Cross Alert System please visit http://www.crossalert.com or phone (866) 276-7725.