Paul S. Wick

October 21, 2002

I am writing you concerning the actions to be taken in relation to audible pedestrian signals, and I would urge the access board to proceed with caution. I am blind as well as being a full-time wheelchair user, as such, I believe I bring a unique prospective to this discussion. Truncated Domes placed on curb cuts, while well intentioned, are not easily maneuverable by many wheelchair users, and blind people, possessed of adequate travel skills do not need such warnings at the vast majority of major intersections. Audible Pedestrian Signals are best used when placed at an intersection with some type of traffic anomaly, not the traditional light controlled four way stop. I urge the access board to place these accessibility features sparingly and to choose designs that minimize noise pollution, rather than having beeping traffic lights going at all hours of the day. I thank you for you're time and I wish you luck in deliberating upon this issue.

Sincerely,

Paul S. Wick