PedFlag

A Good Idea

Description

PedFlag is a program that empowers pedestrians to ensure their safety while crossing the street, using bright orange or yellow flags to gain the attention of drivers. The flags are placed at either end of crosswalk locations that are not otherwise controlled by a traffic signal or other traffic control device. Those located within the Central Business District of Kirkland are maintained by city staff, but residents can request PedFlag locations outside of this area. Requested locations are maintained through the Adopt A PedFlag Crossing Program, in which volunteers check that flags are in place and request free replacement flags from the city if needed. Kirkland has approximately 73 PedFlag locations, 15 of which are within the Central Business District. The program was started in 1995, and was enhanced in 2006 using Transportation Enhancement funds from the Department of Transportation.

Goal / Mission

The purpose of PedFlag is to reduce the number of pedestrian injuries and deaths by increasing the visibility of pedestrians to cars.

Results / Accomplishments

The consensus among volunteers and frequent users of the flags is that they do attract the attention of drivers sooner than a pedestrian without a flag. PedFlag locations have been installed on crossings along school walk routes and popular pedestrian walking routes.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
City of Kirkland, WA
Primary Contact
David Godfrey
Transportation Engineering
City of Kirkland Public Works
123 5th Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
425-587-3865
dgodfrey@kirklandwa.gov
http://www.kirklandwa.gov/
Topics
Community / Public Safety
Community / Transportation
Health / Wellness & Lifestyle
Organization(s)
City of Kirkland, WA
Date of publication
2006
Date of implementation
1995
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Kirkland, WA
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens, Adults, Older Adults, Families