A pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) is commonly used at which type of crossing?

• A. PHB is used on major freeways
• B. PHB is a pedestrian-activated crossing with beacon alerts at midblock crossings
• C. PHB is a vehicle detection device
• D. PHB is a temporary traffic signal only for events

Answer: (B)

Pedestrian hybrid beacons are installed at midblock crosswalks on busy streets where there isn’t a traditional signal at an intersection. They are activated by pedestrians pressing a button. Once activated, the beacon sequence warns drivers with a flashing phase and then stops traffic in both directions long enough for the pedestrian to cross, after which it returns to a non-signal state until reactivated. This setup gives pedestrians a safe crossing option specifically for midblock locations, not for use on freeways, as a vehicle detection device, or as a temporary event signal.