Have you noticed the new crosswalk flags around Downtown? Downtown York is now part of a group of cities across the United States that use crosswalk flags to increase the safety and accessibility of its pedestrians.
The pedestrian crosswalk flags are located at the following six crosswalks:
- George St. at Mason Avenue
- Market St. mid-block crossing at the The Yorktowne Hotel
- Market St. at Cherry Lane
- Rail Trail Crossing at Market St.
- Rail Trail Crossing at King St.
- Rail Trail Crossing at Princess St.
Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians utilizing crosswalks, but unfortunately this is not always the case. The crosswalk flag program is intended to increase awareness and safety of pedestrians, encouraging them to carry the brightly colored flags while walking across the street at the respective crosswalks. Case studies in Washington D.C. and Salt Lake City found that using crosswalk flags can increase the number of vehicles yielding to pedestrians by over 60%, and the Transportation Research Board determined that crosswalk flags are up to 80% effective at stopping cars when flags are used.
What seems like a small step will prove to be impactful by creating safer and more accessible crosswalks in Downtown York for visitors and residents alike. The crosswalk program in Downtown York was instituted and paid for by Downtown Inc and Better York. Thank you to the City of York’s Public Works Department for installing the crosswalk stations!
