Submitted by superfakesuperfake t3_ynojgg in CambridgeMA
WaitForItTheMongols t1_ivagfop wrote
Reply to comment by berlage1856 in Cambridge City Council to consider citywide ban on ‘turning on red’ by superfakesuperfake
Sounds outdated then given the prevalence of electric cars which don't idle, and even most combustion cars now shut down the engine when stopped and restart it when you use the accelerator.
Master_Dogs t1_ivalnm5 wrote
It's also a trade off we made against pedestrian/cycling safety:
> The report findings show large percentage increases in right-turn accidents at signalized locations after RTOR (e.g., increases ranging from 43% to 107% for pedestrians, and increases ranging from 72% to 123% for bicyclists in the three states studied.)
People in the article linked to in this post can try to have it both ways, but ultimately I'd rather be stuck in a traffic jam than see people hit more frequently because someone wanted a few seconds of times savings on their commute.
berlage1856 t1_ivazh3j wrote
I understand that. You might find it interesting to look up traffic lights in The Netherlands: they are installing smart lights, super sensitive to approaching traffic (thus reducing wait times at lights) as a part of a light system that separates various traffic types (vehicular, pedestrian and cycles). A lot can be done with technology when there is a will—and some funding.
ik1nky t1_ivbb68f wrote
Cambridge is installing video sensors at many intersections now. Wherever they pop up, waiting time is greatly reduced.
berlage1856 t1_ivbcqzt wrote
Great to hear. Any examples to point out for us?
ik1nky t1_ivbe2wu wrote
Mass Ave and Churchill in North Cambridge was the first one I found out about. The left turn arrow phase doesn't activate unless someone is actually turning.
j_parkour t1_ivh19cl wrote
Interesting. I'll have to check that out. I had thought Cambridge had a policy to have no sensors and have everything run on a fixed timer.
jeffbyrnes t1_iwdljgs wrote
The policy is that there are no “beg buttons” for pedestrian crossings, except at mid-block crossings, to ensure pedestrians always get an opportunity to cross during each light cycle.
j_parkour t1_iwmiqlo wrote
That's true. But vehicle sensors can still be useful. Shortening a left arrow based on a sensor will allow a pedestrian light to come on sooner. And a side street sensor can cause the pedestrian light to change to flashing don't walk once traffic has cleared and pedestrians have been given adequate time.
jeffbyrnes t1_iwmx57n wrote
Agreed! I’m not aware of any sensor usage, but also don’t know if there’s any policy against sensor usage. Enforcement cameras remain illegal in MA however.
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