Pedestrian signals are a critical component of street design, allowing pedestrians to cross the street. But how well do they align with real-world behavior? To explore this question, Streetcraft conducted a nationwide survey of 1,600 Americans from all 50 states to understand public perceptions of pedestrian crossing signals.

Our findings reveal key insights into how people interpret and respond to these signals, highlighting the role of human psychology in street design. The survey uncovers common confusion, misunderstandings, and behavioral patterns that impact pedestrian safety and compliance. These results emphasize the need for infrastructure that prioritizes intuitive design—ensuring that signals work with human instincts rather than against them.

By bridging the gap between policy, engineering, and everyday experience, this research provides valuable guidance for planners, engineers, and advocates striving to create safer, more effective pedestrian environments. As cities rethink their approach to walkability, understanding public perception is a crucial step in designing streets that truly serve everyone.