What is a complete sequence of signal phases referred to as?

A complete sequence of signal phases is referred to as a cycle. In traffic signal terminology, a cycle encompasses all the stages or phases a traffic signal goes through from the beginning of one phase to the beginning of the next occurrence of that phase. Essentially, it represents the full operation of the signal, including all the green, yellow, and red phases for each direction of traffic, as well as any pedestrian phases.

Understanding this concept is essential for traffic engineers, as it helps in analyzing traffic flow patterns and optimizing signal control strategies to reduce congestion and improve safety. Each cycle can vary in duration and composition depending on the traffic conditions and the design of the intersection, making it a fundamental aspect of traffic signal management.