Proposal for an unobtrusive, user-friendly and, most importantly, contactless solution for pedestrians crossings.
The PEACOCK Crossing is a proposal for a PEdestrian Activated COntactless Crossing.
Contactless is the safest way to travel.
In a post-pandemic world, more people will be wary of the public surfaces they touch when travelling between destinations. They will also be walking and cycling for more parts of these journeys, and even more so as remote working lessens the requirement to travel long distances.
There are numerous benefits of walking from health through to economic growth; this is elaborated further on page 12 of the TfL Walking Action Plan. There are more than 4,650 pedestrian crossings in London, currently operated via a physical push button. (BBC, 2013)
The PEACOCK Crossing offers an unobtrusive, user-friendly and, most importantly, contactless solution for pedestrians crossing the road.
Approach
The design provides a two-point contactless solution. It mimics the existing push-button boxes and utilises the base of the traffic light post itself. A modified cover plate replaces the button with a RFID sensor which activates the crossing mechanism when hovered over for 2 seconds, working in a similar way to contactless payment systems.
There is also a pressure-sensitive step-pad integrated into the paving which, when pressed for 2 seconds, also triggers the wait function. This is to enable those less mobile or differently-abled to also use the system in a contactless manner.
The solution will not only benefit and provide user comfort in the short term, but could also set a new standard for an inherently safer long-term mode of travelling between destinations.
This could then be implemented further into public transport systems where some stops are still touch-operated.
Contactless is the safest way to travel.
Team Dhruv Gulabchande