I have been told that diagonal pedestrian crosswalks were originated in Denver, but I don't know the details. When were they developed and by whom? Why? Where else do they utilize this awesome crosswalk? -- Elizabeth
That pedestrian innovation was developed by Henry Barnes, Denver's traffic engineer from 1947 to 1953. It's so closely associated with him that, at least around here, it's known as the Barnes Dance.
Stopping traffic in all directions at certain downtown intersections certainly helps foot traffic in the central business district, because pedestrians can cross diagonally or directly. According to a story in the Rocky Mountain News archives, Barnes also is credited with inventing "walk" lights.
I don't know how many other cities permit the Barnes Dance, but I have seen diagonal crosswalk signals in New Orleans' CBD.
Got a question about Denver or Colorado that's bugging you? E-mail me, the Denver Wacky Questions Examiner, at denvertrivia@aol.com, and I'll find the answer.
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