X02.5 Pedestrian Street Crossings.

X02.5.1 Pedestrian signal push buttons.

X02.5.1.1 General. Where new traffic signals with pedestrian controls are installed, they shall comply with this section.

X02.5.1.2 Features. Push buttons shall have the following features.

1. Size. Push buttons shall be a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm) across in at least one dimension.
2. Maximum force. The force required to activate push buttons shall be no greater than 3.5 pounds (15.5N).
3. Operation. Push buttons shall be operable with a closed fist.
4. Locator tone. There shall be a locator tone complying with X02.5.1.5.
5. Visual contrast. Push buttons shall have a visual contrast with the body background of at least 70 percent.
6. Indicator. There shall be a visible and audible indicator that the button press has occurred.

Advisory: A long button press (e.g., 3 seconds) may bring up the accessible features or additional accessibility features of the individual device. An additional button should not be used to bring up additional accessibility features. All accessible features available are to be actuated in the same way. Thus, for a given signal, a long button press could request more than one additional feature. Possible additional features include:

1. sound beaconing by increasing the volume of the WALK tone and the associated locator tone for one signal cycle, so a blind pedestrian might be able to use the sound from the opposite side of the street to provide alignment information;
2. sound beaconing by alternating the audible WALK signal back and forth from one end of the crosswalk to the other;
3. providing extended crossing time; and
4. providing a voice message with the street names at the intersection.

(F) Signage. Signage accompanying push buttons shall comply with §X02.5.1.4.

Discussion: These specifications are intended to make pedestrian push buttons accessible. The recommended change to a reduced maximum operating force is basedin part, on the preamble to proposed ADAAG 309 Operable Parts (p 62262, 2nd col): "Information indicates that most control buttons of keys can meet a 3.5 maximum pounds of force and a maximum stroke depth of 1/10 inches.” The closed fist requirement is based on the Access Board's design guidelines: “Devices that can be operated by a closed fist acting on any point on the surface will be most usable by pedestrians who have mobility impairments.” The provision of visual contrast and a locator tone enable blind or visually impaired pedestrians to locate the push button. The visible and audible indicator informs both visually impaired and sighted individuals that the request for a walk signal has been received.

X02.5.1.3 Push button location. The location of push buttons shall be in accordance with the following minimum requirements.

1. Adjacent to landing. The push button shall be mounted adjacent to a clear ground space or a landing on the pedestrian access route leading to the crosswalk. The clear ground space shall be at least 32 inches by 54 inches (815 by 1370 mm), shall slope no more than 1:48 in any direction, and shall be provided with a stable, firm and slip resistant surface from which to operate controls. This clear ground space may overlap entirely with the pedestrian access route.
2. Proximity to approach. Where a parallel approach to the push button is provided, controls shall be within 10 inches (255 mm) of the clear ground space, measured horizontally, and centered on it. Where a forward approach is provided, controls shall abut and be centered on the clear ground space.
3. Direction of control face. The control face of the push button shall be parallel to the direction of the crosswalk controlled by the push button, and no closer than 30 inches (760 mm) to the curb line.
4. Mounting height. The centerline of the push button shall be mounted 42 inches (1070 mm) above the clear ground space for approach.
5. Close to crosswalk. The push button shall be mounted no further than 5 feet (1.5m) from the extension of the crosswalk lines, and within 10 feet (3m) of the curb line, unless the curb ramp is longer than 10 feet (3m).
6. Proximity to curb or transition ramp. When located at a curb ramp, the push button shall be placed within 24 inches (610 mm) horizontally of the top corner of the curb ramp, on the side furthest from the center of the intersection of the roadway. When located at a transition ramp, the push button shall be placed adjacent to the lower landing.

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