Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon

A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a type of traffic signal used to stop vehicles and allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross safely. The primary difference compared to other pedestrian traffic signals is the pedestrian hybrid beacon remains dark to drivers on the street until activated by a pedestrian or bicyclist.

YouTube video Watch: What is a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon?

How Does It Work?

The pedestrian hybrid beacon is activated by a pedestrian or bicyclist by pressing a button, identical to other types of traffic signals. Once the button is pressed, the following will be seen:

For Motorists:

For Pedestrians/Bicyclists:

Illustration showing pedestrian hybrid beacon with all lights dark
Proceed With Caution
All lights are dark
Illustration showing pedestrian "wait" signal
Wait
Push the button and wait for the “Walk” signal
Illustration showing pedestrian hybrid beacon with flashing yellow light for motorists
Slow Down
Flashing yellow light; push button has been pressed
Illustration showing pedestrian "wait" signal
Wait
Illustration showing pedestrian hybrid beacon with solid yellow light for motorists
Prepare To Stop
Solid yellow light
Illustration showing pedestrian "wait" signal
Wait
Illustration showing pedestrian hybrid beacon with solid red lights for motorists
Stop!
Solid red lights; crosswalk in use
Illustration showing signal indicating pedestrians may proceed with caution
Proceed With Caution
Walk signal; enter the crosswalk once vehicles have stopped
Illustration showing pedestrian hybrid beacon with flashing red lights for motorists
Stop!
Alternating flashing red lights; proceed with caution if crosswalk is clear
Illustration showing pedestrian flashing hand signal with count-down timer
Finish Crossing
Flashing hand signal and countdown timer
Illustration showing pedestrian hybrid beacon with all lights dark
Proceed With Caution
All lights are dark
Illustration showing pedestrian "wait" signal at pedestrian hybrid beacon
Wait
Push the button and wait for the “Walk” signal

PDF Fact Sheet(PDF, 214KB)