Wait! The History and Tech Behind Audible Pedestrian Signals

After a short staycation break, Evan is back on Blind Level Tech to explore the surprisingly fascinating world of audible pedestrian signals. These are the beeping, chirping, talking, and sometimes very enthusiastic crosswalk buttons that help blind and low vision travelers navigate street crossings.This episode covers the early history of APS devices, including bells and buzzers from the 1920s and 1930s, the chirp and cuckoo systems used in Japan, and the rise of modern push-button signals with locator tones, spoken street names, countdowns, vibrating buttons, automatic volume adjustment, and Bluetooth programming. Evan also shares his own experiences using and requesting APS installations, while discussing noise concerns, inconsistent programming, orientation and mobility skills, and why these devices are helpful tools rather than a total replacement for good travel judgment.Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★ (00:17) - - Welcome Back and Staycation Recap (01:41) - - Introducing Audible Pedestrian Signals (02:38) - - Early APS History (05:07) - - Japan’s Chirp and Cuckoo Signals (05:48) - - Benefits and Drawbacks of Older Signals (07:37) - - Accessibility on a Schedule (08:59) - - Modern Push-Button APS Devices (10:00) - - Vibrating Buttons for DeafBlind Travelers (11:17) - - Microphones and Automatic Volume Adjustment (12:58) - - APS as a Tool, Not a Replacement (15:24) - - Personal Experience Requesting APS Installations (16:59) - - Consistency, Programming, and Street Announcements (18:08) - - APS Brands and Polara (19:23) - - Bluetooth Programming and Security Concerns (21:48) - - Remote Activation and Listener Feedback (23:20) - - Closing Thoughts