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Home My WebLink AboutTIC 2018-09-24 Handouts Distributed at Meeting - Tukwila International Boulevard Near Islamic CenterLegend Pedestrians Bus Stop Date - 08/14/2015 Time Period - 1:30pm-2:30pm t 1 ItSi‘MA, AA,%4040, 4044, Tukwila Spaghetti Diagram Peak Hour Flow (1:30pm - 2:30pm) 4' N NOT TO SCALE FIGURE Tukwila ADA Transition Plan transpo WHAT MANSPORTATION CAN RE M: \ 15\15153.00 — Tukwila ADA Transition Plan\Engineering\CAD \Supporting Files \Spaghetti Diagram\ Tukwila Spaghetti Diagram.dwg<Updated for Crossing>Tuan Nguyen 8/21/2015 2:43 PM r 1 Legend Pedestrians Bus Stop Date - 08/25/2015 Time Period - 5:00pm-6:00pm Tukwila Spaghetti Diagram Peak Hour Flow (5:00 - 6:00pm) N NOT TO SCALE Tukwila ADA Transition Plan tr n po FIGURE 2 WHAT TRANSPORTATION CAN DE M:\15\15153.00 — Tukwila ADA Transition Plon\Engineering\CAD\Supporting Files\Spaghetti Diagram\Tukwila Spaghetti Diagram.dwg<4pm-6pm Peak Hour>Tuon Nguyen 8/26/2015 11:45 AM PedeLjan Flag Program in Berkeley (2001-2004) - City of Berkeley, CA https://www.eityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=14286 T N5P9RIATI9N Transportation Division PEDESTRIAN FLAG PROGRAM IN BERKELEY (2001-2004) What was the purpose of the program and how long did it last? The City of Berkeley's pilot program to test the effectiveness of pedestrian flags at seven intersections ended in January 2004, almost three years after it began in response to a request from the City Council. The purpose of the solid yellow flags, which were located in containers at both sides of the crosswalk, was to make pedestrians more visible as they crossed the street. This program has been tried at other cities in the United States with mixed results. Unfortunately, in Berkeley it did not prove to be cost-effective in improving pedestrian safety at the seven sites selected. Where were the sites located? Of the seven sites, four were in downtown Berkeley. Three of these sites were on Shattuck Avenue (at University Avenue, Hearst Avenue, and between Cedar and Vine) with the fourth at the intersection of University Avenue and McGee Street. In southeast Berkeley, two of the three sites were on College Avenue (at Russell Street and between Russell Street and Ashby Avenue), with the remaining site at the intersection of Claremont and Russell Street. Only two of the sites were at signalized intersections, Shattuck at University and Shattuck at Hearst. Two were at uncontrolled mid -block crossings, one was at a 4-way stop, and the remaining two were uncontrolled crossings. What were the costs of the program? For this pilot program, the equipment consisted of cloth flags attached to wooden sticks that were provided in plastic quivers on all corners of the intersections or both sides of the two mid -block crosswalks, and special signs. Although the initial costs were low, the total flag cost of the program reached nearly $10,000 because of the high theft rate. A total of 8,000 flags were purchased to ensure that an adequate number of flags were available during the three-year program. Did the flags meet their objective of increased pedestrian safety? 1 of 3 9/24/2018, 4:41 PM Pedestrian Flag Program in Berkeley (2001-2004) - City of Berkeley, CA https://www.eityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplay.aspx?id4286 Surveys by City staff indicated that the flags were used as intended by only two percent of pedestrians, and the use of the flags did not have a noticeable effect upon driver behavior. Many of those who picked up the flags used them for purposes other than for which they were intended. Behavior of those who displayed the flag while crossing the street had the following characteristics: • At mid -block crosswalks, the few people who utilized the flags as an aid in crossing the street waited noticeably longer before crossing than most other pedestrians during both morning and evening peak periods; • The time pedestrians took to cross the road was approximately the same before and after the flags were installed; • At an awkward signalized crossing, pedestrian flag users waited slightly less time before crossing than non -users; and • The use of the flags did not seem to have a significant effect on driver behavior. Based on these observations, the flag program did not appear to have a significant effect on pedestrian safety. Have any other improvement strategies been adopted at the test sites? At all seven intersections, the potential for alternative strategies was considered, in unison with removal of the flags. At the signalized intersection of Shattuck and University Avenues, signal timing was adjusted so that pedestrians on the northside crosswalk are protected from westbound cars turning right. Also, countdown timers were installed that indicates to pedestrians the time remaining before the pedestrian crossing time ends. These timers will also be installed at the Hearst/Shattuck intersection. At the intersection of Claremont at Russell, a pedestrian warning sign with a fluorescent, yellow -green reflective background was installed at the centerline of the main road on each side of the intersection. Finally, at the other intersections, the crosswalks were repainted so that they are more visible, and new signs installed. What other activities is the City involved in to increase pedestrian safety? The City of Berkeley is committed to increasing pedestrian safety through a variety of projects and programs, including the following: • The development of a City-wide Pedestrian Plan is underway; • The installation of countdown timers will be expanded to numerous signalized intersections with high pedestrian demand; 2 of 3 9/24/2018, 4:41 PM Pede, jail Flag Program in Berkeley (2001-2004) - City of Berkeley, CA https://www,cityofberkeley.info/ContentDisplayaspx?id=14286 • The City has received a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety to install seven sets of in - pavement flashing lights; • The City has been working with the City's public schools to improve the safety of students traveling to and from schools; • Staff have been studying the operational safety of locations considered to be high risk, and making improvements where feasible, as recommended in the Bike and Pedestrian Safety (BAPS) report; • Staff are updating the BAPS high ranking collision list; • Staff will be identifying candidate locations for audible pedestrian signals to expand the accessible signals program; • Staff will be reviewing the design of crosswalks within Berkeley, with the object of introducing standardization and improving operational safety. What are our conclusions about the flag program? • The flag program is not sustainable because while the vast majority of crosswalks could theoretically benefit from this treatment, the flags are misused and stolen, meaning continual replacement is required. • The general public needs to learn safe walking practices (e.g. bright, light colored clothes, defensive crossing techniques) while motorists need to learn safe driving habits, watching for pedestrians at all times in all locations. Home I Web Policy I Text -Only Site Map I Contact Us Transportation Division, 1947 Center Street, 4th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704 Questions or comments? Email: transportationacityofberkeley.info Phone: (510) 981-7010 (510) 981-CITY/2489 or 311 from any landline in Berkeley TTY: (510) 981-6903 3 of 3 9/24/2018, 4:41 PM • € 31, *4, IMG-20180921-WA0028jpg haps://mail.google.corn/_/scs/mail-static/ jjstic=gmail.main.en.58DNT6e00B8.0/am=H... i 1 of 2 9/24/2018. 4:33 PM IMG-20180921-WA0022.jpg https://mail.google.com//scs/mail-static/ Jjs/lc=gmail.main.en.58DNT6e00B8.0/am=H... 1 of 2 9/24/2018. 4:32 PM Pedestrian Flags - FAQs https://www.kirklandwa.govidepart/Public_Works/Transportation_and_T... MIMIMMAWMAIT.MIM MaSIMMORVEMMEMEMMEU UMWAS, ,VIMMEIAMMUIMMINVOMMSVNAMEMIVIWYMTEWMMMVRIMUTAMMESMUMMEMMTMMMIM, ,,,MINEMIMMUMMV. SM,MCZMMTEM1 CITY OF KIRKLAND OFFICIALKEZENTS BUSINESS GOV SERVICES DEPARTMENTS > Home Page > Departments > Public Works > Transportation and Traffic > Pedestrian Flags - FAQs Custom PUBLIC WORKS Pedestrian Flags - FAQs PEDFLAG FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PedFlag is the name of Kirkland's program which places orange or yellow flags at crosswalks to help pedestrians gain the attention of drivers. Here are answers to some common questions about the PedFlag program. If your question is not answered here, contact joel Pfundt,Transportation Manager at (425) 587-3865. Q: Where are PedFlags found? A: Depending on available budget, a PedFlag location is established when pedestrians request one. The criteria for a location requires an existing crosswalk in the Kirkland city limits that is not controlled by a traffic signal or other traffic control device. When the request is for a crosswalk outside of the central business district, a volunteer is required to help replace missing flags. The PedFlag location will be installed with a PedFlag holder (and sign if needed) at each end of the crosswalk to hold the flags. The equipment will be attached to an existing sign or utility pole that is near the crosswalk; if none are available, a sign pole will be installed too. Q: How do I get PedFlag at a crosswalk I'm interested in? A: Currently, new PedFlag locations are on hold due to budget constraints, but we continue to support the existing PedFlag sites. New volunteers are needed for existing sites that are not currently 1 of 6 9/24/2018, 4:39 PM Pedestrian Flags 'IAQa 6ttyaxYnww.' adopted throughout the city tohelp replace missing flags. See our volunteer web page tOlearn more about volunteering for the Adopt A PeclFlag Crossing program (click on Public Safety and scroll down tOAdopt APedestrian Flag Crossing). QcHow dmthe flags get A: City staff maintains the locations in the Central Business District, making sure that adequate flags are in place. A1other locations in Kirk|and'S neighborhoods, avolunteer i5required tomake su re the holders are stocked with flags. Kirkland hasa ._/u_^_-program called"� ^^Adopt �-�---Crossing. The City provides the flags 8tDocharge tothe volunteer who agrees tOcheck ODthe site and make sure flags are in place. These guidelines explain more about volunteering to maintain a PeclFlag site. Q: How did PedFlag get started? A:PedHagstarted iD1995with four locations inthe Central Business District a3anattempt to |nlproV8 pedestrian safety in Kirkland. It came in the wake of two pedestrian accidents in the fall of 1994.Both ofthese accidents were fatal accidents involving adults. AKirkland resident saw 8similar system in Japan and suggested it be used here. Q:How many PedFlog locations does Kirkland have? A:Kirkland has approximately 73PeclHag locations. 15are located /nthe Central Business District and the remainder are located on arterials that run through the neighborhoods. They are at a variety of different kinds of crosswalks. PedFlag crossings can be found on streets with speeds ranging from 25to35mph and onstreets with two tofive lanes oftraffic. Q: How does PedFlag work? RM : The basic concept of the PedFlag is to assist the pedestrian in gaining he attention of the approaching motorist. With the aid of the brightly colored flae- that can be held out in front of the pedestrian and/or aved, the pedestrian is better able to attract the attention of the driver sooner by becoming more visible. This is device that |s |ovv in Pedestrian Flags - FAQs the equipment is installed at the crossing, the only ongoing cost is the replacement of the flags. Depending on the location and season, it can be zero to five flags a week. Q:8o PedFlag effective? A: Most ofthe evidence gathered supports the idea that PedFlagis helpful inencouraging pedestrian safety. Areport, available through the Transportation Research Board, describes the performance of various pedestrian safety treatments including pedestrian flags. Click &C]HRP562 MA VINW111%. for the report and go to page 19, Motorist Warning Signs and Pavement PeclFlags have become very popular in Kirkland and the consensus among the volunteers and frequent users Vfthe flags is that it does attract the attention of the driver sooner vs. an unaided pedestrian. This has led many of them to be installed on crossings along school walk routes and popular pedestrian walking routes. They donot automatically fix all the problems apotential location might have however. Q:Nhy are some orange and someflags A: At the start of the PeclFlag program in 1995 we began with orange flags. In 2006 we conducted a study tosee how we could get more people to use flags. Neused social marketing techniques to improve the system. Nancy Lee 8tSocial Marketing Services was the consultant. The study basically involved interviewing people who did and didn't use flags to understand why people were not using flags. The system was then redesigned using marketing principles to address these barriers. One barrier was that pedestrians didn't know what the flag was for. The countermeasure for this was anew flag style which echoes the pedestrian warning sign|nco|orandsymboiAnoth2rb8rMerk] usage was that sometimes there were not enough flags available. This resulted in the redesigned holder which can hold more flags. The"Take It to Make It" slogan and other messages on the holders help to address the idea that some people didn't feel the crossing was dangerous enough to warrant carrying the flag. This marketing study describes the process. Q:What about the holders? Pedestrian Flags 'FAOu ' : Kirkland uses a variety of equipment styles for PeclFlag holders. POuroriginal ho|dersAmhichareusedoutsideofth2centra|bu3iness district) are made out of angle iron and steel tube and are fabricated by welding students @tLake Washington Technical College. VVe appreciate their cooperation with USover the years. These holders are accompanied hvasign. The earlier signs directed pedestrians onhow to use PeclFlag; later signs were simplified and display the pedFlag man symbol. Our O2VVe5t holders can be found in the central business district, they are G plastic o[stainless steel container that has 8Oopen top which allows for easier access tothe flags along with aDincreased amount of the flags to be placed at crossings which have a higher volume of pedestrian traffic. These holders are not accompanied bVBsign. See pictures ofPeclFlag equipment iDKirkland. Q:Dmyou have more information about Kirklamd's PedFlag program? A: Yes we do, and here are links to other useful information: wVendor and equipment information • New "Take |tToMake It" PedFlagprogram for downtown K]rNand*+(v4deO) • Excel asaPedestrian for Seniors (video)** ~ Excel asaPedestrian (video)*+ • City of Kirkland Walkable Community Profile Q: Are PedFlags popular elsewhere? A:Although Kirkland was the first, lots ofother cities now use PedAag.Here are some links toother PeclFlag cities: • Pedestrian Crosswalk Flags, Salt Lake City, UT w Pedestrian Crossing Flags, Seattle, WA w Pedestrian Flag Progrann**|nBerkeley, CA • Washington Post Article: Battle Flag ofPedestrians*+ w Seattle Times Article: Pedestrian Safety Flagged As A Priority in Kirkland*+ m Perils for Pedestri@ns**,8television series that promotes pedestrian safety issues. Back to Top