Articles
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Ask an Expert: How does the Wireless Ped System handle power, connectivity, and security?
Polara’s Wireless Pedestrian System, or WPS, is a solar-powered surface-mount ped pole with a wireless connection to a control unit in the pedestrian signal head, allowing accessible pedestrian signals (APS) to quickly and easily be retrofit into existing intersections. The WPS bolts to the existing sidewalk and does not need any wires for power […]
March 28, 2025 -
Accessible Pedestrian Signals are desired by engineers, city councils and citizens… so what’s holding up adoption?
Cities across the country are working hard to create safer, more accessible streets for all residents, including those with disabilities. One of the most impactful tools for achieving this goal is the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at crosswalk intersections. APS are designed to increase safety and independence for pedestrians with visual disabilities by […]
November 13, 2024 -
Unlocking Federal Funding for Accessible Pedestrian Signals
We often hear the objection, “There’s just no money for APS.” While we’ve found many ways to minimize installation costs for APS, ADA compliance can increase the cost of sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals. If agency budgets were already tight, this additional expense may seem to put accessible signals out of reach, especially since most […]
April 8, 2024 -
History of U.S Crosswalk Accessibility Laws, 1968-2023
This article explores the history of U.S federal accessibility laws and regulations related to the public right-of-way, to give the context in which PROWAG was developed.
November 28, 2023
Guides & Accessibility Requirements
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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
Case Studies
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City of Portland uses Polara’s WPS for fast-install bike buttons
Problem: Known for its robust cycling community, Portland Oregon includes bike lanes on many major streets and neighborhood roadways. The city is installing crosswalk buttons at the curb for cyclists to activate so they do not have to leave the bike lane to place a call. However, traditional poles for bike buttons can take weeks […]
June 9, 2025 -
Seattle Enhances Crosswalk Accessibility with Polara’s Wireless Pedestrian System
Problem: The intersection of Beacon Avenue and Lander Street in Seattle, WA isn’t a typical 4-way crossroad. With Beacon running diagonally through the intersection, nearby unsignalized crosswalks, and signal poles far from the curb, it’s not easy for pedestrians with visual disabilities to align themselves with the crosswalks, or even tell which Accessible Pedestrian Signals […]
June 9, 2025 -
City of Durham improves access to community health center with Polara WPS
Problem The intersection of Kent and West Chapel Hill Street in Durham, NC houses the Duke University Center for Child and Family Health; a critical resource for city residents. With the public bus stop on the other side of the busy roadway, the city must ensure the crosswalk is accessible to children and families of […]
May 23, 2025 -
City of San Francisco uses Polara APS to make crosswalks accessible for blind pedestrians
Problem San Francisco is retrofitting every signalized intersection in the city with APS. Because many San Francisco intersections have fixed traffic intervals, the APS must function at both actuated and pre-timed intersections. The city mandates Braille signage for pedestrians with vision disabilities; and to address future accessibility needs for those with mobility impairments, the city […]
March 28, 2025
Company Updates
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Polara Honored with 2025 Helen Keller Services AccessAbility Award
GREENVILLE, TEXAS – Oct. 16, 2025 – Polara Enterprises (Polara), the leading innovator in Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Helen Keller Services AccessAbility Awards. These awards recognize organizations and individuals who make significant contributions to improving accessibility and independence for people who are blind, limited vision or […]
October 16, 2025 -
Polara’s Wireless Ped System Hits 10-State Milestone as Demand for Fast, Affordable APS Installations Grows
Now in Atlanta, the Wireless Ped System Cuts Costs and Install Time While Maintaining Compliance GREENVILLE, TEXAS – Aug. 19, 2025 – Polara Enterprises (Polara), leading supplier of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) and ADA-compliant push buttons in North America, today announced the installation of its innovative Wireless Ped System (WPS) on Marietta Street in Atlanta. […]
August 18, 2025 -
Introducing the Polara Updater: Bulk Firmware Management for 2-Wire APS Devices
Greenville, Texas – Polara is streamlining Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) maintenance with the launch of Polara Updater, a powerful and free software utility that enables agencies to update APS firmware remotely, in bulk, and on schedule—eliminating the need for manual updates at each intersection. Effortless Updates for Polara’s 2-wire APS Products: iNS and iDS The […]
April 8, 2025 -
Introducing the revolutionary Wireless Ped System™
GREENVILLE, Texas–Polara Enterprises (Polara) is excited to announce the launch of its latest innovation for the transportation industry: the Wireless Ped System™ (WPS). Developed to support cities in meeting the PROWAG (Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines) requirements, this groundbreaking product enables rapid, cost-effective installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at intersections, making crosswalks accessible for […]
November 12, 2024