For about $10,000, a community can install an eco-friendly system to make crosswalks safer for pedestrians and much more visible to drivers. A new type of lighting system, the Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon is proving even more effective because the flashing lights–more like police and emergency vehicle lighting–get the attention of motorists.
As my town’s Pedestrian and Bicycle advisory committee researched ways to improve crosswalk safety, we noticed existing, effective crossings in neighboring towns. In Wellesley, busy route 135 can be crossed much more easily thanks to this crossing:
A newer technology–with a solar-powered option–is described below:
I obtained a quote for a similar system from Electrotechnics Corporation (ELTEC). Because the system is solar-powered and wireless pushbutton-activated, the installation could be as simple as planting two poles in the sidewalk. There is no need to run power to the system or trench the roadway for wires. Just install the poles and go.
RRFBs are new, but they have been embraced enthusiastically in St. Petersburg, Florida where, after obtaining interim approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation, RRFBs were installed in 19 locations. A study of some of those locations and other deployments in Chicago and Washington, D.C. indicated “a highly significant level change following the introduction of the RRFB that showed no sign of decay over time.” A full report from St. Petersburg is available here. A video about the crosswalk program really punctuates their commitment to systemic, infrastructural improvements citywide.
But for smaller communities who are simply looking for ways to make particularly problematic crossings safer, this technology could be the answer on multiple fronts. The modularity of the solution eliminates a few hurdles–there is no need to coordinate with the electric utility or dig up the roadway. The deployment must still be “designed,” to ensure it complies with local and state standards. And it’s still at least a $10,000 project which can be tough to fund given the reality of level budgets and cost-cutting required in the current economy.
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