When establishing minimum green time, what must the calculation include if there are no pedestrian features?

When establishing minimum green time, including pedestrian considerations is crucial, especially when pedestrian features are absent, as this can influence the safe operation of traffic signals and overall intersection safety. The correct calculation takes into account the time needed for vehicles to clear the intersection safely while ensuring that pedestrians can cross if present.

The reason for focusing on the time for a safe pedestrian crossing, even when pedestrian features aren't explicitly present, is that traffic signal operations aim to prioritize safety and efficiency for all road users. This calculation can help prevent conflicts that may occur if pedestrians are waiting to cross and vehicles are still moving through the intersection.

In scenarios where pedestrian features are not included, the calculation ensures that if people choose to cross at a less formal location, they still have a window of safety while minimizing the chances of accidents. This alignment contributes to the overall traffic flow management goals, aiming for a balance between vehicular movement and pedestrian safety.

In contrast, other factors like local speed limits, vehicle stopping distance, or maximum allowable delay, while important to traffic signal operations, do not directly address the critical safety consideration for pedestrians when no formal crossing is available. Hence, focusing on the time needed for a safe pedestrian crossing becomes a fundamental aspect of establishing minimum green time.