New roadway sign/marking standards affect pedestrians & cyclists

Enhancements in the 2003 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) include increased letter size on street signs and turn-path pavement markings at intersections meant to help older drivers. For pedestrians, the new manual includes guidelines for “animated eyes,” electronic signs that mimic back-and-forth eye movements to serve as a reminder to look both ways before crossing a street; “countdown signals” that tell pedestrians the time remaining to cross a street safely; and crosswalk markings and “in-street” pedestrian signs that focus the eyes of the driver on crosswalk activity.

The revised manual also includes new provisions to help pedestrians with disabilities. For example, the use of barriers to assist in safe navigation of walkways and audible devices to communicate sign information will assist visually impaired individuals. To improve safety for bicyclists, the manual calls for new bicycle lane markings and symbols.