You’ve just gotta’ love Portland. Where else would the installation of a new bicycle and pedestrian traffic signal stir up so much media interest?
Just activated on Monday morning, the new experimental HAWK (High Intensity Activated Walk) signal on 41st and Burnside has already been featured in the Oregonian, on OPB radio and KGW television.
I went out there yesterday morning to snap some photos and check it out for myself.
The first thing I noticed was the conveniently placed curbside activation button (photo above). When I pressed it, the bike light turned red. This told me the signal had been activated. Then, the main signal on Burnside (that the motorists see) went from being dark to flashing yellow. A few seconds later and dual red lights came on and I got the green bike signal.
I crossed, and that was that. Once the process was complete all the signals went dark. It was simple, effective and safe; everything you could ask for in a crossing signal.
As I packed up my camera, two ladies on road bikes rolled up, eager to try it. They crossed with a yelp and their fists raised in a grateful and triumphant salute.
So far it seems like the experiment is going well and I hope there are more HAWKs in Portland’s future.