About The Oldest Walk/Don't Walk Sign In America
The Walk/Don't Walk sign was invented by William Phelps Eno
The "Don't Walk" sign is a pictogram of an upraised hand. The "Walk" sign is a pictogram of a walking person. These signs or signals are used to direct pedestrians when it is legal to cross the street. The "Don't Walk" sign means that pedestrians should not start crossing the street. The "Don't Walk" pictograms were required in 2009 by the Federal Highway Administration. Before that, the signals were just required to use the words "Walk" and "Don't Walk".
The first, and oldest, Walk/Don't Walk signal was installed in New York City in 1938. It was a red neon sign that was mounted on a pole and had two arms that could be raised or lowered. When the arms were raised, the sign said "Don't Walk."
When the arms were lowered, the sign said "Walk." This particular light was placed in New York City on Broadway and Forty-fifth Street. Today, that original Walk/Don't Walk signal has been upgraded to an automatic flashing upraised hand symbol with count down numbers.
The U.S. Department Of Transportation refers to a NY Times article which stated the first Walk/Don't Walk signs were installed in Times Square at the intersection of Broadway and Forty-fifth Street, about Jan. 1, 1938. Gemini AI states the first "Don't Walk" sign was installed in New York City in 1938.
According to NY Transit Museum in 1952, NYC's first modern day Walk/Don’t Walk pedestrian signal signs were installed at 44th St & Broadway in Times Square. Each sign flashed “Walk” for 22 seconds, then “Don’t Walk” for ten seconds, before the “Don’t Walk” illuminated red for 58 seconds more.
At many traffic signals, you need to push the pedestrian push button to receive the WALK or WALKING PERSON signal. At a crossing where there are no pedestrian signals, pedestrians must obey the red, yellow, or green signal lights.
The Walk/Don't Walk sign was invented by William Phelps Eno, a traffic engineer and transportation planner. Eno was concerned about the high number of pedestrian accidents in New York City, and he believed that the "Don't Walk" sign would help to reduce the number of accidents. He was known as "the father of traffic safety".
The Walk/Don't Walk sign was a success, and it was soon installed in other cities throughout the United States. In 1947, the National Uniform Traffic Control Device Manual was published, and it standardized the design and use of the "Don't Walk" sign.
The concept of pedestrian signals like "Walk/Don't Walk" signals has since become standard in traffic management across the United States and around the world. These signals help control the flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic at intersections, contributing to safer and more orderly urban environments.
Today, the Walk/Don't Walk sign is one of the most common traffic signals in the world. It is used in over 100 countries to help protect pedestrians from traffic. In addition to its practical purpose, the "Don't Walk" sign has also become a cultural icon. It is often featured in movies, TV shows, and songs. The sign has also been parodied and satirized many times.
For example, in the Beatles song "A Day in the Life," John Lennon sings about a politician who "buys newspapers when his hands are full." Lennon then asks, "Who needs a Don't Walk signal when there's no one there?" The Walk/Don't Walk sign is a simple but effective way to protect pedestrians from traffic. It is also a reminder that we all share the responsibility of keeping our streets safe.
Overall, the "Don't Walk" sign and pedestrian signals have evolved alongside advancements in traffic engineering, urban planning, and transportation technology, with the primary goal of improving safety and efficiency for pedestrians and motorists alike.