Pedestrian signs are an important part of regulating foot traffic and ensuring safety for those traveling by foot. These signs use colors, symbols, and words to communicate vital information to pedestrians about regulations, warnings, and guidance. Understanding the meaning behind pedestrian sign colors and symbols is key for pedestrians to navigate safely and properly.
Regulatory Signs
Regulatory pedestrian signs instruct pedestrians on what they must, shall not, or should do. These signs establish legal requirements for pedestrian behavior and are enforceable by law. Regulatory signs use the following colors:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Prohibitive – indicates behaviors not permitted |
| Blue | Mandatory – indicates required pedestrian behaviors |
| Green | Permissive – indicates allowed optional pedestrian behaviors |
Some examples of common regulatory pedestrian sign colors and meanings:
- Red circle and slash – No pedestrians allowed
- Blue pedestrian symbol – Pedestrians must proceed in direction indicated
- Green arrow – Pedestrians may proceed with caution
Warning Signs
Warning signs alert pedestrians to conditions that might result in hazards or unsafe conditions ahead. These signs help pedestrians proceed with appropriate caution. Warning signs use the following colors:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yellow | General warning of potential hazards ahead |
| Fluorescent Yellow-Green | Pedestrian warning signs, school zones, crosswalks |
| Fluorescent Pink | Warning related to road construction |
Some common warning sign colors and meanings for pedestrians include:
- Yellow diamond – Warns of curves, hills, intersections, crosswalks ahead
- Yellow-green – School zone or pedestrian crossing ahead
- Pink – Temporary conditions related to road work
Guide Signs
Guide signs provide helpful information to pedestrians to orient themselves in an area and safely reach their destination. Guide signs use the following colors:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Indication of pedestrian facilities, trails, paths ahead |
| Brown | Indication of cultural, historical, recreational sites ahead |
| Blue | Indication of roadways, highways, or RV services ahead |
Some examples of guide sign colors and meanings for pedestrians:
- Green pedestrian symbol – Pedestrian pathway/trail ahead
- Brown silhouette pedestrian – Historic walking route ahead
- Blue highway shield – Upcoming highway intersection
Crosswalk Signs and Signals
Crosswalk signs and signals are specialized to control pedestrian crossing at intersections or designated crosswalks. They use a combination of colors, lights, symbols, and words to direct pedestrian crossing behavior.
Crosswalk Signs
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rectangular yellow sign with pedestrian and arrow symbol | Indicates designated crosswalk location |
| Yellow diamond sign with black pedestrian silhouette | Warns vehicles that there is a crossing point ahead |
| Yellow sign with two arrows pointing up and down | Indicates where pedestrians should cross intersection |
Crosswalk Signals
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Illuminated red hand symbol | Pedestrians must not begin crossing |
| Illuminated white walking person | Pedestrians have walk signal and may begin crossing |
| Flashing illuminated red hand | Don’t start crossing, but may finish crossing if already begun |
| Orange hand countdown display | Number of seconds remaining to legally finish crossing |
Temporary Traffic Control Signs
Temporary traffic control signs are used in construction, maintenance, or emergency zones to direct pedestrians safely. These signs use the standard colors and shapes but are temporary in nature. Some examples include:
- Orange cones/drums – Indicate road work zones, closures, danger
- Orange mesh fencing – Creates pedestrian walkways/detours
- Orange sign with arrow – Indicates temporary pedestrian walkway direction
- Orange flag held by construction worker – Signals vehicles to stop
Accessibility and Information Signs
Accessibility and information signs near pedestrian zones and pathways provide details and directions for those with disabilities or needing special access. They use blue and white colors:
| Color & Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Blue square with white wheelchair symbol | Indicates access for those with disabilities |
| Blue circle with white letter “i” | Indicates availability of pedestrian information or services |
Conclusion
Understanding pedestrian sign colors, symbols, and meanings allows pedestrians to safely navigate and comply with regulations. Red, blue, and green signs regulate behavior while yellow and fluorescent colors warn of potential hazards ahead. Green and brown guide signs provide orientation and direction information. At crosswalks, a mix of colors, lights, symbols, and countdowns directs safe crossing. Obeying temporary control signs in construction zones is vital. Finally, blue and white signs provide accessibility services and information. Being able to quickly recognize and properly interpret the entire range of pedestrian signs is an important ability for all pedestrians.
