What walking speed do US traffic signals assume?

The MUTCD uses 3.5 ft/sec to compute the pedestrian clearance interval, reduced from 4.0 ft/sec in the 2009 edition and retained in the 11th edition of 2023. For comparison, pedestrians older than 65 walk at a mean of 3.81 ft/sec with a 15th percentile of 3.02 ft/sec (Gates et al., 2006), and the slowest group in a meta-analysis of normal walking speed, women aged 80 to 99, averages about 3.09 ft/sec (Bohannon and Williams Andrews, 2011). A 72 foot crossing takes 21 seconds at 3.5 ft/sec and 24 seconds at 3.0.

How much longer does a six-lane crossing take for a slower pedestrian?

A 72 foot crossing takes 21 seconds at the MUTCD assumption of 3.5 ft/sec and 24 seconds at 3.0 ft/sec, which is roughly the 15th percentile for pedestrians over 65. On a 96 foot arterial the figures are 27 and 32 seconds. Crossing time excludes the curb step and the buffer for starting motion, so real need is larger than these figures.

What share of pedestrian deaths are seniors and how does it compare to their population share?

Seniors (65+) are 17% of the US population but account for 24% of pedestrian deaths. The over-representation is driven by slower walking speeds, longer crossing times required, and higher fatality rates when struck.

Did New York City change its signal timing for older pedestrians?

Yes. NYC adopted a 3.0 ft/sec baseline (slower than MUTCD 3.5) from 2014-2018 and recorded a 31% fatality reduction for pedestrians 65 and older. The city extended crossing times and reduced conflicts.

What is the connection between the 7-second problem and right-on-red?

Right-on-red is most dangerous for pedestrians in the middle of a crossing. An elderly pedestrian on a 26-second crossing is still in the intersection when right-turn traffic accelerates. The two policies compound senior pedestrian risk.

The 7-second problem. American walk signals were timed for a walker who does not exist.

US walk signals are timed for a 3.5 ft/sec walker. The slowest 15% of pedestrians over 65 walk at about 3.0 ft/sec. The assumption clears the average older pedestrian and fails the slow tail, which is why signals should be designed to a low percentile.

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