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Additionally, reducing waiting times will increase pedestrian safety. At the moment, while waiting for green, they often cross the intersection and turn red, especially during off-peak hours when cars seem smaller.
“New pedestrian paths, new bike lanes, A-lanes and new public transportation strive for smoother and faster movement in the city. Pedestrians’ priority in traffic regulation is another measure that encourages them. to choose their feet more often than the car, ”says Remigijus Šimašius, Mayor of Vilnius.
Priority for pedestrians already applies in T. Kosciuška, Vydūnas, in most of Pylimo str. intersections and Kalvarijų st. in crosswalks. With the onset of spring and the gradual easing of quarantine restrictions, pedestrian prioritization is currently being scheduled on the last Pylimo street. at the intersections, as well as will soon take place at the intersections of M. Daukša, Šventaragis and other accesses to the old town. It is convenient to follow the list of all the crosses and the progress of the actions carried out in the constantly updated link: www.vilniustransport.lt/prioritetas-pestiejus
Like Western European cities, Scandinavian Vilnius cities seek to provide more space for those who move harmoniously, so the city becomes more lively and accommodates the comfort of people, not cars. In those crossings where there are more pedestrians, it will be necessary to wait a little longer, which will make the movement smoother and for cyclists and scooters.
“Due to its size and compactness, we are a city on foot, so walking must be comfortable, fast and safe. Priority for pedestrians at traffic lights is achieved by reducing the waiting time for pedestrians, we are already doing it in some intersections in Vilnius.
Good experience from other countries shows that such traffic adaptation helps to regulate flows more efficiently, in addition, it encourages more frequent movement in a harmonized way, and walking can be combined more fluidly with movement in public transport and cycling. We plan that the number of these pedestrian crossings or priority crossings in Vilnius will gradually increase, and in the next few years there will be around 150 ”, says Modesta Gusarovienė, director of“ Communications Services ”.
What does it mean to prioritize pedestrians?
Pedestrian prioritization is done through proper scheduling of traffic light regulation and thus gradually reducing pedestrian waiting times. Such changes through 2023. by the end of the year at most traffic light-controlled intersections and at all regulated intersections. The average waiting time for pedestrians will be reduced from 50 to 35 seconds.
The intersections were selected taking into account the central territory of the city defined in the Vilnius Sustainable Mobility Plan, taking into account the categories of streets and their functional purpose, centers of attraction, such as educational and health institutions. There are also public transport stops nearby, making it even more convenient to combine walking with buses or trolleybuses. It is estimated that prioritizing pedestrians over other road users could reduce the duration of the green signal by 5-15%.
However, the changes are being implemented exactly where foot traffic is most active. Changes to pedestrian priority on major heavy traffic axes will be implemented through a consistent impact assessment on all traffic. Pedestrian buttons: myths and reality
The increased priority is also related to the operation of the pedestrian buttons at intersections and crosswalks. Pedestrian buttons are designed to reduce waiting time. At most intersections and at all intersections in Vilnius, pressing a button is a prerequisite for the green light to activate.
In others, pressing this button means a much earlier activation of the green signal and a shorter wait time than without pressing the button. After programming the Pedestrian Priority at the intersection, pressing the button will mean that the wait time at the intersection will be reduced 1.5 – 2 times.
