Officials in Skokie, Illinois, have modified pedestrian signals at a busy intersection to allow Shabbos-observant Jewish residents to cross safely without having to press an electronic pedestrian button.

The change was made at the intersection of Dempster Street and East Prairie Road, near several shuls and in an area heavily traveled by Orthodox Jewish families walking on Shabbos.

Previously, pedestrians who did not press the crossing button would eventually receive a walk signal, but with considerably less time to cross. That created particular difficulties for families with young children, elderly pedestrians and people using wheelchairs.

Under the new arrangement, the pedestrian signal automatically runs through its full cycle during Shabbos hours, eliminating the need to activate the button. The automatic schedule begins Friday afternoon and continues through Saturday, with the extended crossing period lasting approximately 60 to 65 seconds instead of the usual 30 to 40 seconds available without pressing the button.

Skokie Mayor Ann Tennes said she became aware of the difficulty after visiting a local shul and seeing residents struggling to cross the busy roadway. Village officials subsequently worked with the Illinois Department of Transportation, which controls the intersection, to implement the automatic timing system. The change went into effect in late April.

Officials are now looking at bringing similar automatic signals to additional intersections used by the community, including Dempster Street at Hamlin and Keeler avenues and Church Street at Crawford Avenue. There is also interest in having the accommodation operate during Yom Tov.

The adjustment provides a practical safety solution for Shabbos-observant residents while allowing them to cross without operating the electronic signal.