Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) are designed to help pedestrians safely cross busy or higher-speed roadways at midblock crossings and uncontrolled intersections, where a majority of pedestrian fatalities occur. The PHB is an intermediate option between a flashing beacon and a full pedestrian signal. It assigns right of way and provides positive stop control, and allows motorists to proceed when the pedestrian has cleared the travel lane. 

PHB High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk Operation Guide 

FDOT District Two Community Traffic Safety Program developed a simple guide to help explain the process of a PHB for both motorists and pedestrians. Learn what drivers and pedestrians should do when they approach a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon. 

Click here to download the PDF Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Guide, watch the video and flip through the digital book below.

Northeast Florida uses PHBs in communities to increase driver awareness of pedestrian crossings at uncontrolled, marked crosswalk locations. They are different from regular pre-timed pedestrian traffic signals as they are only activated when needed by the pedestrian.

PHB Instructions for Drivers and Pedestrians

PHB Step 1 art

STEP 1
• Drivers will see all indication lights are dark when there is no pedestrian waiting to cross, and the pedestrian signal will maintain a “DON’T WALK” symbol.
• Pedestrians who want to cross the street will need to push the button to activate the system.

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STEP 2
• Drivers will see a FLASHING YELLOW light for a few seconds when pedestrians push the button. Drivers should reduce speed and prepare to stop.
• Pedestrians will still see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and should wait.

PHB Step 3 art

STEP 3
• Drivers will see the flashing go to a STEADY YELLOW light, warning them the indication will soon turn to a STEADY RED light.
• Pedestrians continue to see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and should remain waiting.

PHB Step 4 art

STEP 4
• Drivers will see a STEADY RED light, which requires them to STOP at the stop line.
• Pedestrians will then see a “WALK” symbol to cross and should look in both directions to make sure all vehicles are stopped.

PHB Step 5 art

STEP 5
• Drivers will see ALTERNATING FLASHING RED lights, as pedestrians cross the street. During this period, drivers are required to STOP and then they may proceed with caution if crosswalk is clear.
• Pedestrians will see the WALK indication change to a flashing countdown that indicates how much time they have remaining to cross the street.

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STEP 6
• Drivers will see all lights are back to dark at the end of the flashing countdown and may continue to proceed through the crosswalk if it is clear.
• Pedestrians will see the “DON’T WALK” symbol and must push the button to activate the system again.


For more Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon resources and information, visit: FHWA Safety Program.

No Regrets When You DRIVE WITH CARE & CROSS WITH CARE

Pedestrian Safety – Traffic Control Box Wraps

Traffic Control Box Wraps: “Push, Wait, Walk”

Over 70 pedestrian safety traffic control box wraps have been installed in Northeast Florida with a message that reminds walkers to “Always Use The Crosswalk, Walk On Sidewalks & Be Aware!” When crossing at a lighted intersection with a crosswalk, it is important to “Push” the crosswalk button, “Wait” for the light to change and cars to completely stop, and “Walk” with caution while making sure oncoming cars are stopping and drivers see you in the crosswalk. Take a look at the quick highlight video of this message on traffic control boxes.

Your Community Traffic Safety Team is dedicated to “Bringing You Home Safely.” Remember to always use a crosswalk or cross at an intersection, not in the middle of a block. Walk on the sidewalk or facing traffic as far from traffic as possible when a sidewalk is not available. Constantly be aware, and make sure drivers see you!

We have also been targeting drivers with its “No Regrets When You DRIVE WITH CARE” safety messages and continues to promote safe driving education and reminders. Over the past year, the campaign has been extended onto streets for a positive reminder to walkers everywhere to be safe and arrive alive.

Visit our Pedestrian Safety page for more information and resources.

Video clip of the first pedestrian safety message being installed on a traffic control box: Crosswalk Safety

pedestrian safety - traffic control wraps

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