To be safe, timing should be based closer to the speed of slower users, not on the average speed of all users. Use a walking speed of 3.0 (0.91m) feet per second or slower to calculate clearance time, based on the walking speed of the elderly, children, and other slower users.
Comfortable
To be comfortable, crossings should have a Walk/Don’t Walk sign, preferably ones that use international symbols rather than words. Countdown or signals with seconds remaining for safe crossings would add to pedestrian comfort level.
Visual/Auditory Considerations
Use international sign markings at destination facilities.
Where there is a push button, consider using a tactile arrow pointing in the direction of pedestrian travel controlled by the button and the universal tactile and visual symbol of three dots in a triangle on the button, as close to the center as practicable. Audible signals to also help orient the visually impaired.
Resources
The Effects of Pedestrian Countdown Signals in Lake Buena Vista
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/Safety/ped_bike/handbooks and_research/research/CNT-REPT.pdf
Year 2 Field Evaluation of Experimental "In-Street" Yield to Pedestrian Signs 1999
http://www.walkinginfo.org/pdf/r&D/ytpsign.pdf
The Effects of NO TURN ON RED/YIELD TO PEDS Variable Message Signs on Motorist and Pedestrian Behavior
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/Safety/ped_bike/handbooks and_research/research/
Use of Animated LED 'Eyes' Pedestrian Signals to Improve Pedestrian Safety
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/Safety/ped_bike/handbooks and_research/research/led_eyes.pdf
Evaluation of Automated Pedestrian Detection at Signalized Intersections
http://www.tfhre.gov/safety/pedbike/pubs/00-097.pdf
Accessible Pedestrian Signals
http://www.walkinginfo.org/aps/home.cfm
