What is the preferred cycle length option to promote a feeling of movement for drivers?

• A. Longer cycle length
• B. Shorter cycle length
• C. Variable cycle length
• D. Standard cycle length

Answer: (B)

Promoting a feeling of movement for drivers is crucial for maintaining the flow of traffic and reducing frustration during stop-and-go scenarios at intersections. A shorter cycle length is preferred because it allows for more frequent changes in signal phases, providing quicker opportunities for vehicles to proceed through intersections. This reduces the perceived waiting time, which helps maintain a rhythm of movement and keeps traffic flowing more smoothly.

Additionally, shorter cycle lengths can adapt to fluctuating traffic volumes better than longer or standard cycle lengths. In busy or dynamic traffic conditions, this responsiveness can lead to reduced congestion and improved overall driver satisfaction. It creates the impression of an ongoing flow, mitigating the psychological effects of waiting that can occur with longer or fixed cycle lengths.

While longer cycle lengths can sometimes be justified for optimizing overall traffic flow or for specific signal coordination, they often result in extended wait times that can frustrate drivers. Variable cycle lengths may help in specific situations but do not provide the consistent predictability that shorter cycles can offer, which is also important for drivers' sense of movement.