08/18/2026
📝 LEARN WITH LANESHIFT🧠
A simple way to improve safety for bicycle and pedestrian road users at crossings is to implement a variety of crosswalk enhancements. Here are some features that improve crosswalk visibility and safety:
1️⃣ Crosswalk with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB): Flashing lights and signage warn drivers to stop for crosswalk users. RRFBs are up to 98% effective at improving yield rates (Texas A&M Transportation Institute RRFB 2016 Report)
2️⃣ Pedestrian refuge island: Provides greater protection and comfort when crossing a street. This enhancement allows pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time by splitting the road into sections and providing a protected space to wait for a gap in traffic or for vehicles to stop. This feature reduces pedestrian crash rates by over half (CMF Clearinghouse 2008 Crash Reduction Study)
3️⃣ High-visibility Crosswalk Marking: Provides additional visual cues and highlights the right-of-way for bicycle riders and pedestrians. High-visibility crosswalks can reduce pedestrian injury crashes up to 40% (CMF Clearinghouse 2012 Crosswalk Study)
4️⃣ Curb extension/bulb out: Reduces the roadway width to slow and calm vehicles, reduces crosswalk length, and can enhance the aesthetic of the streetscape
5️⃣ Raised crosswalk: A traffic calming measure that also increases accessibility and visibility of people on bikes or pedestrians since it is at the same grade as the adjacent sidewalk or sidepath
Improving crosswalks with these highly effective features is critical in creating a safe and connected community. Consider utilizing multiple enhancements to further increase safety and comfort.
