Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI)

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION

A leading pedestrian interval (LPI) provides an advance WALKING PERSON (symbolizing WALK) indication to be displayed for the crosswalk while red indications continue to be displayed to parallel through and/or turning traffic.  An LPI lets pedestrians enter an intersection crosswalk 3 – 7 seconds before turning vehicles receive a green indication, allowing pedestrians to better establish their presence in the crosswalk before conflicting vehicles can turn right or left.  FHWA reports use of LPIs result in a 13% reduction in pedestrian-vehicle crashes at intersections.

Implementation Categories

CONSIDERATIONS

• Refer to Section 4I.06 in the MUTCD for guidance on LPIs.
• Requires pedestrian signal heads.
• LPIs can be provided automatically with each phase or only when the pedestrian push button is actuated.
• When LPIs are used in the absence of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), visually impaired pedestrians may wait during the LPI and begin crossing at the onset of the vehicular movement when vehicle operators are not expecting them to begin crossing.

APPLICATION

• Recommended where high volumes of turning traffic conflict with high volumes of crossing pedestrians.
• Prioritize installation at crosswalks frequented by school-aged children or older adults.

example

Image Source: PEDSAFE

Complimentary Countermeasures

• Centerline Turn Hardening
• High-Visibility Crosswalks
• Lighting
• Roadway Narrowing — Curb Extensions