Tucson BikeHAWK: Adapting the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon to Assist Bicyclists in Crossing Arterial Streets

Abstract

The operation of the Tucson BikeHAWK, crash history, usage, and compliance:

• There have been NO cyclists related crashes over the last 6 years (even during the pandemic times) and 96% of the riders use the BikeHAWK as intended.
• Basically, 100% of family riders with children or children alone use the BikeHAWK as intended.
• 94% of the crossers were bicyclists and 6% were pedestrians generally at Bike Boulevard crossings.
• The device was found to be easily understood by all users and bicyclists who followed the designated paths with ease. The high level of understanding was most likely because the BikeHAWK was designed based upon their natural behavior that was observed while crossing at HAWK controlled crosswalks.
• There continues to be the normal high level of driver compliance to the HAWK crossing device, especially at the higher-speed crossings. Driver yielding compliance still consistently remains within the range from 97% to 100% yielding at HAWKs and BikeHAWKs. A new technique has dramatically increased pedestrian compliance which increased from approximately 70% to over 90% with the “HOT” button operation with minimal loss in arterial LOS.  “HOT” button operations have been recommended by FHWA at such pedestrian crossings that respond promptly to the pedestrian’s or cyclist’s call button for service.  (Automated pedestrian activation was experimented with, however there were many missed or false calls.  It was found, especially true during the hot Tucson summers, pedestrians do not wait at the curb, but in the nearest shade to wait for the HAWK beacon to activate when in coordination mode.)    
• 50% of riders using the BikeHAWK were males, 46% were females, and 6% were children. (This level of female ridership is significantly higher than the historical Tucson average regional percentage of 26%. The higher percentage is considered an indication of perceived safety by cycling experts)