Agenda Item Wording:
title
Receive a tutorial video produced for the new High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) pedestrian hybrid beacon at Lovers Lane and Packwood Creek crossing.
body
Deadline for Action: None
Submitting Department: Administration - Public Works
Contact Name and Phone Number:
Diego Corvera, Civil Engineer, Diego.Corvera@visalia.city, 713-4209
Allison Mackey, Community Relations Manager, Allison.Mackey@visalia.city, 713-4535
Frank Senteno, City Engineer, Frank.Senteno@visalia.city, 713-4331
Nick Mascia, Assistant City Manager, Nick.Mascia@visalia.city, 713-4323
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the tutorial video for the new HAWK pedestrian hybrid beacon at Lovers Lane and Packwood Creek crossing.
Background Discussion:
City staff procured videographer services to produce a tutorial video to educate our community on the functionality and operation of the new HAWK pedestrian hybrid beacon now constructed at Lovers Lane and Packwood Creek crossing. This is the first HAWK pedestrian hybrid beacon constructed in the City of Visalia and the first for Tulare County. Staff believes it prudent to provide a public tutorial video on its operation to encourage safe use and interaction with the new signal.
This video is intended to circulate throughout the City of Visalia via social media. Staff also intends to send the video to the Visalia school districts, local businesses, community groups, and other outreach mediums to get the information out to the public in the most robust means possible. The video will circulate for two (2) weeks to allow time for the public to learn about the signal ahead of it being turned on for public use.
The video was released Wednesday May 4th, 2022, for public viewing, and the HAWK will be turned on May 18th following the May 16th Council meeting.
The tutorial video will remain on the City website and other social media platforms indefinitely to allow for the public to view as needed or desired.
HAWK Functionality:
If you’re a pedestrian using the HAWK, this is what you will see and hear.
As you approach the HAWK crossing you will see a solid red hand indicating “Do Not Cross.” Push the button and the signal will begin its activation cycle. First, it’s going to give cars enough time to safely be alerted to the signal and time to come to a stop. Following that, you will see a walk symbol, like your normal traffic signal, indicating that you may enter the crosswalk. As with any other crosswalk, be careful while crossing, and make eye contact with the drivers to be sure that they see you. The only safe time to enter the crosswalk and begin your crossing is when the walk symbol is showing, and cars are stopped at the signal. If you’re approaching the HAWK and it’s already begun its cycle, you may enter the crosswalk only if you see the walk signal. If it shows a flashing hand or any other indication, do not enter. As you walk across you will see the walk symbol disappear, replaced with a flashing hand and a countdown indicating how much time you have to complete your crossing. Once you have entered the crosswalk, do not stop in the road, complete your crossing in a timely manner and continue your way on the Packwood Trail. Should another pedestrian push the button soon after the previous walk phase, there will be a predetermined time to allow vehicular traffic to clear before the sequence starts again.
If you are a driver approaching this signal, this is what you will see.
The HAWK goes through a similar sequence to a traffic signal, but there are differences with the indications you see. When a pedestrian pushes the crossing button, the signal will begin with a flashing yellow. This cautions drivers that, “the signal has been activated”. It will flash yellow for a few seconds, and then it will turn to solid yellow warning you that it will soon turn red. Slow down and come to a stop as you would with a yellow traffic signal. A steady red light will, with both heads on, means “Stop”. That’s when the pedestrian interval will start, now the pedestrian will cross. The signal will now become a steady red light, and all cars must come to a complete stop and wait. Next the HAWK indication will begin alternating flashing red lights. At that time, if you are approaching the HAWK you must treat it as a STOP sign. Remember, the pedestrian has the right of way. Once you have come to a complete stop, and the pedestrian has crossed your path, you may proceed with caution. When the HAWK returns to resting dark the cycle is complete, and the signal will remain dark until activated again.
If you are a driver approaching the HAWK and it is dark, you may proceed as if it is not there.
Fiscal Impact:
None
Prior Council Action:
None
Other:
None
Alternatives:
None
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
Information only, no action necessary
end
Environmental Assessment Status:
Not Applicable
CEQA Review:
Not Applicable
Attachments:
None