A pedestrian scramble stops all traffic to allow pedestrians to cross in any direction. It is also known as an “exclusive pedestrian phase” or “Barnes Dance.” It can increase safety but may cause traffic inefficiency. Diagonal crossing is often allowed, and it is suitable for rural areas and pedestrian-friendly regions of cities.
A pedestrian scramble is a form of traffic control in which all oncoming traffic is stopped, allowing pedestrians to cross in either direction. Although not widely used, there are some in major cities around the world, and they can be very useful. Before implementing a pedestrian scramble, traffic engineers generally consider the decision carefully, to make sure it is the best option for the situation.
Some people call the pedestrian scramble an “exclusive pedestrian phase,” a reference to the fact that the intersection is completely blocked off to traffic so pedestrians can use it exclusively. It is also called the “Barnes Dance,” in a nod to Henry Barnes, a traffic engineer who popularized the concept. Although Barnes has lent his name to one of the terms for a crossover, he was not the inventor of the concept. However, he contributed many other things to traffic engineering, including coordinated traffic signals to promote the smoother flow of traffic.
The first pedestrian fights were put into practice in the 1940s, in Vancouver and Kansas City. Other cities saw the potential application of the concept and picked it up at heavy crosswalks and in areas where accidents involving pedestrians were common. This type of arrangement can greatly increase safety, although it can lead to inefficiency due to completely stopped traffic. Engineers try to balance the need for efficient traffic with a desire for safety when considering a pedestrian scramble.
Since pedestrians can cross in all directions in a crosswalk, diagonal crossing is often permitted. This is usually indicated by diagonal crossings which are painted on the road, and a sign at the crossing may also indicate that diagonal crossing is allowed. Lights that warn pedestrians to get off the road may also have slightly longer wait times, allowing pedestrians to exit a large intersection before traffic starts up again. Some pedestrians are aware of this, and may risk crossing the street before the light changes.
Rural areas are well suited to installing a pedestrian scramble, as vehicle traffic can be quite light. In pedestrian-friendly regions of cities, a pedestrian scramble is also appropriate, as it promotes easy walking around town and encourages motorists to park and walk to destinations.
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