From: News Alert E-Memo (memofrom@Colorado.EDU)
Date: Sun Apr 24 2011 - 19:59:24 MDT
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2011 19:59:24 -0600 (MDT) From: News Alert E-Memo <memofrom@Colorado.EDU> Subject: Activation of the "High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk" on Regent Drive on April 26
TO: Boulder campus faculty, staff, students, administrators
FROM: Facilities Management and Public Safety
SENDER: Joe Roy, Chief of Police
DATE: April 24, 2011
SUBJECT: Activation of the "High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk" on Regent Drive on April 26
After the morning rush hour on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, the City of Boulder
will begin operation of the "high-intensity activated crosswalk" - or
"HAWK" system - installed at the crosswalk that connects the Engineering
Center with Regent Autopark.
This crosswalk has some of the highest demand on campus. A survey conducted
showed at peak times, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., 527 pedestrians, 57 bikers and 950
vehicles use this intersection on any given day. The high intensity of all
users made it not an ideal candidate for a traditional traffic signal. A
summary of how the HAWK signal operates is provided below.
1. When not activated, the signal is dark. Vehicle travel is permitted.
Pedestrians will be required to stop and push the button to cross.
2. Once a pedestrian pushes the walk button, the signal activates and begins
flashing yellow to indicate to drivers someone will be using the crosswalk.
3. The signal then goes to a solid yellow like a typical traffic signal,
advising drivers to prepare to stop.
4. The signal then turns solid red, requiring drivers to stop at the
crosswalk. Pedestrians may cross safely at this time.
5. After a period of time (approximately 90 seconds), the signal goes to
alternating flashing red. Drivers must come to a complete stop, and once the
pedestrian has crossed safely, may proceed through the intersection.
The HAWK signal will work in conjunction with the traffic signal atColorado
and Regent to ensure vehicular traffic interruptions are minimized.
Furthermore, the HAWK signal will work in cycles allowing vehicular traffic
adequate time to move through the crosswalk. CU-Boulder and the City will be
monitoring the signal's effectiveness over the next year. If it doesn't prove
to alleviate the congestion, an evaluation of options will take place.
For a period of time after the signal is activated, CU-Boulder will station
crossing guards and/or officers at the walk to help educate vehicles,
pedestrians and cyclists about how the signal works. Once adequate education
and awareness of the signal has been performed, enforcement of municipal
traffic and pedestrian laws associated with its use will commence. Failure to
obey these laws may result in pedestrian fines up to $50 and traffic fines up
to $300.
For further information on HAWK signals, please visit the following website
http://www.colorado.edu/police/help/hawk.html. This website contains a link to
a video demonstration of a HAWK signal that is already operational within the
City of Fort Collins, CO.
For questions or concerns, please contact Commander Tim McGraw of the Public
Safety Department at 303-492-8168.
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