Guide
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Ultimate APS Application Guide
At Polara, we believe accessibility is fundamental to safe, reliable transportation. Backed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, accessible crossings are the new standard. Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) are critical to building inclusive intersections. While designed for pedestrians who are blind or have low vision, APS improve safety and usability for […]
March 25, 2026 -
Mid-Block Crosswalk Accessibility Map
Designing a PROWAG / ADA compliant mid-block crosswalk involves more than simply adding a curb ramp and pedestrian pushbutton. Details such as pushbutton height, the distance from the curb and crosswalk line, clear ground space for wheelchair users, and accessible approach paths all determine whether the crossing is usable for people with disabilities. To help […]
March 16, 2026 -
APS Audible Beaconing Guide | APS with External Speakers
Audible beaconing helps pedestrians who are blind or have low vision stay aligned within the crosswalk at complex or wide intersections. It uses directional audio cues from an external speaker to provide clearer guidance during the WALK and clearance intervals. Polara’s Audible Beaconing for APS Guide offers a quick overview of how audible beaconing works, […]
October 15, 2025 -
PROWAG & Pedestrian Push Button Factsheet
When it comes to designing PROWAG / ADA compliant pedestrian infrastructure, there’s no room for guesswork. The Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) set the national standard for how cities must design sidewalks, crossings, and signals so that everyone can travel safely and independently. But the guidelines are long and complex, and transportation agencies often struggle […]
October 1, 2025 -
Crosswalk Accessibility Map
Designing a PROWAG / ADA compliant crosswalk isn’t just about adding pedestrian signals. The details such as button height, spacing, approach paths, and placement relative to the curb all determine whether the installation truly works for people with disabilities. To make those details easier to understand, Polara created a Crosswalk Accessibility Map. This visual tool […]
October 1, 2025 -
Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI) and Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)
Leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) are a low-cost proven safety countermeasure that increase pedestrian visibility to turning cars. LPIs give pedestrians 3-7 seconds head start to begin their crossing before the parallel green light, allowing them to enter the crosswalk before turning vehicles begin to move. Studies on LPIs are positive; a study in 2018 found […]
March 25, 2024 -
MUTCD 11’s impact on crosswalk push buttons
In this article, we review the most significant changes in the 11th edition MUTCD as they relate to pedestrian push buttons and summarize each of the sections of the 11th edition that relate to crosswalk buttons, giving you a handy reference to the requirements for accessible pedestrian signals, audible information devices, and standard crosswalk buttons.
January 11, 2024 -
PROWAG Crosswalk Requirements
PROWAG is a set of technical specifications developed by the U.S. Access Board to help transportation professionals create accessible routes along public streets. It mandates APS anywhere a pedestrian signal is provided, and is widely expected to become an enforceable standard in 2023.
August 14, 2023 -
APS Audible Beaconing
Audible beaconing is the use of directional sound to guide pedestrians with vision loss, so they can more easily follow the marked crossing across the street. Polara’s iNS Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) support adding external speakers to the pedestrian signal head to provide audible beaconing, which can significantly assist pedestrians with vision impairments to follow the crosswalk at complex, skewed, or especially wide crossings.
April 26, 2023 -
ADA Crosswalk Accessibility Requirements
The ADA is a broad civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all aspects of everyday life. While it doesn’t offer standards or guidance on APS specifically, it does require agencies to make public facilities, including the pedestrian environment, accessible.
February 27, 2023