Do Those Pedestrian Buttons At Traffic Lights Work?

I was driving through Point Pleasant and Brick yesterday, late for yet another appointment. I knew if I made the light at Bridge Ave. and Route 88, I'd be ok. Of course I just missed it. I waited for what seemed like an eternity, and just when I felt like it was about to change, some guy walked up and pressed that button. You know that button that you press when you want to cross the street. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the pedestrian. I help whenever I can, and let people cross as often as possible. At that particular moment, however, I must admit, I was rooting against the button.

 We already discussed that I was late and frankly, I had already done my time at the light. Now this guy's gonna just walk up and mess up the natural light cycle?? Yes, I actually thought that. No, I don't know if "natural light cycle" is actually a real thing. It turns out the light changed about when I expected it to, so I don't think that button affected it at all. But it got me thinking. Do those buttons actually work? What do you think?