Crossing in Time: Walking Speed and Pedestrian Signals

In pairs, students time how long it takes to cross a 12-meter crosswalk walking normally, walking fast and simulating limited mobility. Using the speed they calculate, they judge whether the walk signal at a real crosswalk near the school is long enough for everyone.

How to play

1. Mark a 12-meter crosswalk, about four lanes wide, with cones and chalk (3 min).
2. In pairs, time the crossing walking normally, walking fast and taking short steps with a resistance band tied above the ankles (8 min).
3. Calculate the speed in meters per second for each condition (5 min).
4. Compare with the walk-signal time at a crosswalk near the school, timed beforehand by the teacher or volunteers (5 min).
5. Proposal: which crosswalks in the neighborhood would be hard for an older adult or someone with limited mobility, and what could be requested from the city (4 min).

Rules

• Tie the band loosely above the ankles and walk, never run.
• On the practice crosswalk, everyone walks in the same direction to avoid collisions.
• The simulation is for understanding, never for mocking anyone.
• Time the real signal from the sidewalk, without crossing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: times their own crossing, which is added as real data for the group.
• Visual impairment: takes part with a guide partner and shares their experience with audible signals.
• Lower-body injury: acts as timer and calculator.

Learning goals

• Measure and calculate walking speed in different conditions.
• Assess a street crossing's accessibility with data.
• Build empathy for pedestrians with limited mobility.

Equipment for a class of 25

• stopwatch: 6
• cones: 12
• tape measure: 2
• chalk: 2
• resistance bands: 6
• worksheets: 30

Teacher tip

If you can't time a real signal, use data from the city or have students time one on their route as homework beforehand.

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