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Urban Street Design Guide Index

Urban Street Design Guide
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Leading Pedestrian Interval

Leading Pedestrian Interval

A Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) typically gives pedestrians a 3–7 second head start when entering an intersection with a corresponding green signal in the same direction of travel.

LPIs enhance the visibility of pedestrians in the intersection and reinforce their right-of-way over turning vehicles, especially in locations with a history of conflict.

LPIs have been shown to reduce pedestrian-vehicle collisions as much as 60% at treated intersections.

Phase 1: Pedestrians only

Pedestrians are given a minimum 3–7 second head start entering the intersection.

Phase 2: Pedestrians and cars

Through and turning traffic are given the green light. Turning traffic yields to pedestrians already in the crosswalk.

Application

Use LPIs at intersections where heavy turning traffic comes into conflict with crossing pedestrians during the permissive phase of the signal cycle. LPIs are typically applied where both pedestrian volumes and turning volumes are high enough to warrant an additional dedicated interval for pedestrian-only traffic.

Benefits & Considerations

LPIs increase the visibility of crossing pedestrians and give them priority within the intersection.
LPIs have been shown to reduce pedestrian-vehicle collisions as much as 60% at treated intersections.1
LPIs typically require adjustments to existing signal timing that are relatively low cost compared to other countermeasures.

Critical

LPIs are critical at intersections where heavy right or left turning volumes create consistent conflicts and safety concerns between vehicles and pedestrians.

Recommended

LPIs should give pedestrians a minimum head start of 3–7 seconds, depending on the overall crossing distance. Intervals of up to 10 seconds may be appropriate where pedestrian volumes are high or the crossing distance is long.
To increase the effectiveness of a LPI and improve visibility of pedestrians at high-conflict intersections, install a curb extension at the intersection.

Optional

Where a bikeway on the through movement conflicts with turning traffic, use a leading bicycle interval along with the leading pedestrian interval. A leading bicycle interval clears the intersection of all cyclists quickly and can help prevent right hook collisions.

Footnotes

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  1. A.C. Fayish and Frank Gross, “Safety effectiveness of leading pedestrian intervals evaluated by a before–after study with comparison groups,” Transportation Research Record No. 2198 (2010): 15–22.

References

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Adapted from the Urban Street Design Guide, published by Island Press.

References

References for Leading Pedestrian Interval: 3 found.