Originally Posted by
randomgear
Of course, having pedestrian crossing lights that are on automatic recall (the crosswalks get a walk signal once every signal phase) is very important so that people can sometimes get a walk signal just as they approach the crosswalk, just like people in cars. Having to press a beg button to get a walk light means that people on foot nearly always have to wait more than a few seconds for a walk signal.
Great summary.
As far as giving a crossing light with every signal cycle. Often the signal cycles are shorter than the crosswalk cycles. Often I can't get across the street on my bike during left turn signal cycles. But, there are traffic flow considerations to not always give a walk signal, especially on wide streets.
One thing I'd like to see in a few places is no matter what, always give a signal countdown even if there isn't enough time for a full walk cycle. At speed, I can get across a crossing in about 2 seconds (less if a yellow light sequence is added to the countdown). Even stopped, maybe 5 or 6 seconds. Legal or not, as a pedestrian I can also judge whether I can safely cross within a given time. We've got a median strip MUP crossing. The buttons are a pain to get to, and it never gives a walk unless the buttons are pressed. My rule is if I see traffic on both sides of me have a green, then there is no cross or turning traffic (at that time), so I'll just go.