The District of Muskoka is taking steps to meet the needs of pedestrians with visual impairments or other disabilities by raising awareness of the Accessible Pedestrian Signals that have been installed and how they work. The signals advise pedestrians who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind when they have the right-of-way to cross at a signalized intersection and in which direction they may cross the intersection. There are currently four Accessible Pedestrian Signals installed at pedestrian crossings in Muskoka, including:
- Huntsville – Main Street and Brunel Road
- Huntsville – Main Street and Centre Street
- Gravenhurst – Muskoka Road and Bay Street (Post Office)
- Bracebridge – Manitoba Street and Ann Street
“The District looks forward to working with our Area Municipal partners to upgrade all of our traffic signals within the next few years,” said Lori-Lynn Giaschi-Pacini, Deputy Chair, District Municipality of Muskoka. “These signals are just part of our on-going commitment to the principles outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.”
How do Accessible Pedestrian Signals Work?
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) advise pedestrians who are blind, visually impaired and deaf-blind when they have the right of way to cross an intersection in a particular direction. This is done with the use of two audible tones:
- Cuckoo sound – indicates right of way for crossing in a north-south direction
- Chirp sound – indicates right of way for crossing in an east-west direction
When a visually impaired person approaches a pedestrian crossing that has APS, they will hear a locator ping. This sound is emitted from the pushbutton on the pole. The pushbutton must be pressed firmly and continuously until you hear a “tick” sound, a kickback will be felt. Make certain constant pressure is applied for the next three seconds or until you hear a second “tick” sound. This will activate the audible tones for the next signal cycle. If the pushbutton is not held for the appropriate time and pressure, the audible sounds will not engage. In cold weather, it may take up to five seconds for success.
Over the past three decades, intersections and signals have become very complex. Techniques used in the past have become less effective in guiding visual and hearing impaired persons to safety. An Accessible Pedestrian Signal relays information about the most appropriate time to cross the street using non-verbal methods allowing them greater mobility.
To learn more about the District’s Accessible Pedestrian Signals please visit: www.muskoka.on.ca/en/live-and-play/accessible-pedestrian-signals.
To view the District’s Accessibility Plan, visit: www.muskoka.on.ca/en/community-and-social-services/Accessibility.
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I’m still confused here. First I wondered how a blind person would know which way the signal was telling them was ok to use so this might be solved with the chirp and cuckoo sound differentiation but the question is right back in my mind because how would a blind person, or any other person for that matter know which direction is North/South, East/West at an intersection? Unless they were familiar with the area and just “new” the directions then how are they to know. What if the intersection is laid out in an North East/ South West orientation for example? The chirp and Cuckoo would not be clear then either and a person not familiar with the layout would still be left guessing?
There must be more to this than I see as a non-blind person, sorry but maybe someone can explain how this really helps.