Beschreibung

The intersection of Florida Avenue & 8th Street NW, with the new Shay apartments to the south and Atlantic Plumbing apartments and condo to the near north and numerous businesses all around, is an extremely busy intersection for both cars and pedestrians. However, I have noted on several occasions - at all times of day - that the pedestrian "walk" signals will ONLY light up if a pedestrian pushes the button to activate it. The traffic signal will turn green for traffic but continue to show "don't walk" for pedestrians crossing in the same direction unless someone has specifically pushed the button prior to the traffic light change.

While it is true the pedestrian signal works if someone pushes the button, pedestrian traffic is so consistent and often heavy at that intersection that the crosswalk signal really should automatically trigger and display to ensure pedestrian safety.

There have been times when I have observed over a dozen pedestrians who end up crossing "against the signal" while car traffic (of which none may be present) has a green light in the same direction. Psychologically, I suspect when a person walks up to a crowded crossing, he or she often won't - and probably shouldn't have to - think "I'd better push this button or we won't get a walk signal when the light changes. One simply assumes they will, but for this intersection the crosswalk doesn't appear to be programmed that way.

Please reprogram all the walk signals at 8th & Florida Avenue NW so the walk signal lights anytime traffic flow for that crossing direction turns green, and not simply on the occasions when someone has pressed the button. Having the button is fine to trigger the walk signal when no car traffic is present. But the walk signal should light up to match the car traffic signals, even if someone hasn't pressed the pedestrian call button.

Thanks.