The new CA MUTCD (California
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) has been released. There are two important updates relative to
traffic signal operations. First is the
bicycle timing requirements, which have been adopted as presented in draft
form. (See post dated Dec 3, 2009). The second is pedestrian Walk and Flashing
Don’t Walk times. The new standard is
not substantially changed from before, but a recommended walking speed of 2.8
feet per second has been added when slow moving pedestrians are known to use
the crossing. There is an addendum in
the works that is due out near the end of this year, so stay tuned. See http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/signtech/mutcdsupp/ca_mutcd2010.htm
for the new manual.