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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering


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Orange flags

   
Two orange flag holders are provided, each with an instruction sign and flags in it. A pedestrian takes a flag, holding it aloft while crossing the street, and places it in the flag holder on the other side of the street. Under the "Adopt-A-Crosswalk" program, individuals living or having businesses within a block of a marked crosswalk may "adopt" the crosswalk by agreeing to monitor the flag containers to insure flags are available as well as purchase replacement flags as needed.
objective Make pedestrians more visible at the crosswalks.
applications At crosswalks where there is a need to make drivers more aware of pedestrians using the crosswalk.  May be used at controlled or uncontrolled intersections and mid-block crossing locations.
target population All Pedestrians, Elderly Pedestrians, Young Pedestrians, Motorists
crash type Pedestrian R/W Violation - Intersection, Pedestrian R/W Violation - Non-intersection, Excessive Speed
advantages
  • Low-cost
  • Drivers may be reminded of the presence of the crosswalk simply from seeing the orange flags in the holders on the sides of the street
disadvantages
  • Some pedestrians felt they looked silly carrying the flags.
  • The problem of flag theft is significant.
  • Not useful to visually impaired pedestrians.
pointers Flags should be located in an accessible location for children and persons using wheelchairs without protruding into the travel path of persons with disabilities or other pedestrians.
cost Flags should be located in an accessible location for children and persons using wheelchairs without protruding into the travel path of persons with disabilities or other pedestrians.
responsibility Public Works, Parks and Recreation
further reading Pedestrian Safety Initiatives in Salt Lake City
examples Salt Lake City, UT; City of Kirkland, WA; City of Berkeley, CA
related tools High-Visibility Crosswalks, Raised Crosswalk, High-Visibility Signs

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