Strategy 8 Set policies and practices to leverage, manage, monitor and design for new and emerging technologies that increase visibility and comfort of pedestrians.
The actions within this strategy are divided into two categories:
Action we will DOActions we will SUPPORTAction we will do are followed by “DO” and are colored in dark gray, and actions we will support are followed by “SUPPORT” and are colored in light gray.
Learn more about how we get thereThis strategy outlines ways we can use technology to improve how people walking are detected on our streets, how they may access information about preferred walking routes based on real time information like congestion (noise impacts, air quality impacts), and how infrastructure might physically change given their presence, such as through brighter lighting or LED crosswalks that recognize when a pedestrian is crossing a street.
Improvements for people who are blind or vision-impaired are also likely to be more readily available with new technologies, such as those accessed from smartphones or other devices. These technologies can detail real time conditions (such as detours or unexpected obstacles in the path of travel) into a user’s ear.
Actions to set policies and practices to leverage, manage, monitor and design for new and emerging technologies that increase visibility and comfort of pedestrians.
Walking 8.1
Assess digital wayfinding tools that provide real-time information on getting around the city by foot and integrate successful tools into the mobility hub network.
Supported goals:
Mobility
Related actions:
Technology 3.1, Design 5.3
Difficulty:
Low
Timeframe:
2024-2027 (Years 4-7)
Status:
In Progress
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works is assessing digital wayfinding tools, particularly for navigation between mobility hubs, as part of an in-progress study on Mobility as a Service. This study, when finalized, will influence ongoing strategy for digital wayfinding.
Walking 8.2
Explore emerging technology such as adaptive lighting which can brighten when pedestrians, bicyclists, or other street users are detected or expected, enhancing visibility and comfort of all right of way users while aligning with the City’s lighting and energy goals.
Supported goals:
Climate Safety Mobility
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2024-2027 (Years 4-7)
Status:
In Progress
Note:
The City is currently participating in a technical advisory panel on solar lighting coordinated by MnDOT. This panel is exploring emerging technology such as dimming and adaptive lighting.
Walking 8.3
Test new technologies related to pedestrian detection and data collection, including passive detection at traffic signals to expedite and lengthen the walk phase in response to pedestrian presence and demand.
Supported goals:
Climate Safety Equity Mobility
Related actions:
Technology 1.1, Technology 1.2, Technology 1.3, Technology 1.4, Technology 1.5, Technology 1.6, Technology 1.7, Technology 1.8, Technology 1.9, Technology 1.10, Technology 1.11
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works is testing new technology where a longer press of the button will prompt an audio message stating the location of the intersection, benefitting especially those with visual impairments. Another technology will activate audio feedback and, in some cases, advance the walk signal when someone waves a hand in front of or stands very near the button. Public Works will continue to evaluate and implement new technologies as they emerge.
Walking 8.4
Assess demonstrations of new applications that provide navigation assistance for people who are blind or low-vision and the potential impact on City practices.
Supported goals:
Safety Equity Mobility
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Low
Timeframe:
2024-2027 (Years 4-7)
Status:
In Progress
Significant milestone(s):
In 2022, the Evaluation Program assessed tactile edges installed on Hennepin Ave and 4th Street Downtown. The City of Minneapolis Street Design Guide was updated to provide guidance for tactile edge delineation between sidewalk and sidewalk-level bikeways.