This may be getting off topic, but the system adopted in San Francisco is such that the push buttons are on poles that ding all the time. They're supposed to be just louder than ambient sound so you can find them if you're close. The button is a big rubber arrow that is supposed to show you the direction of the cross walk. When the signal goes to walk, this button vibrates which you can feel, and makes a pretty obnoxious clacking noise.
A fully "talking sign" equipped intersection is even better, but yes you have to carry a receiver and learn to use it. Advantages include a system that is not invasive to the noise environment. If you're not carefull with demanding manufacturers solve the problem, what you may get is tactile strips that are supposed to lead you to the button. If you think that's a good idea come to my neighborhood where a smooth sidewalk is a rareity and so any stupid tactile marking is seen as just another busted up sidewalk. As you can see, there is no really good solution except to get rid of the bloody cars------ Hmmm, not a bad idea <GRIN> No, horses would be worse! Tom fowle
