The pedestrian signal is phased into the timing of the traffic signal. When the button is pushed, is sends a "message" to the control box that a pedestrian wants to cross. Depending upon when the button is pushed, you may have to wait until the traffic signal cycle goes through its full course before the pedestrian walk light is activated. There are only a few pedestrian signals that automatically change a traffic signal light from green to red within the city. The signalized crosswalk on Church St. in front of City Hall is one of them.