Prevent Pedestrian Injuries With Nylon? Bellevue Is Testing It Out

BELLEVUE, WA - Can a small piece of orange nylon protect a pedestrian from a speeding car? Bellevue wants to find out. The city began testing a crosswalk flag program last Thursday in the hopes that the low-tech approach can increase pedestrian safety.

How does it work? Simple: orange flags will be affixed to buckets at several city intersections. When a pedestrian wants to cross, they pick up a flag, and wave it. If all goes according to plan, drivers will instantly recognize the situation and slow down or stop.

The city will be testing the crosswalk flags at two city intersections: Main Street and 101st Avenue and Main Street and 103rd Avenue in Old Bellevue.

The pilot, which cost just $500, will last a year. The city is asking for some help from residents: if you see one side of the street is top-heavy with flags, help out by redistributing them so there's an even number on both sides of the crosswalk. You can also report missing flags and give feedback to Senior Transportation Engineer Kurt Latt at klatt@bellevuewa.gov or by calling 425-452-6856.

Image via City of Bellevue