Crosswalk flags placed at busy Ridgewood intersection
JUNE 4, 2014 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014, 5:57 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
New crosswalk flags have been installed to combat pedestrian dangers in downtown Ridgewood, and they arrived just as area roadwork and warmer temperatures have spawned an increase in vehicle and foot traffic.
A set of bright orange crossing flags has been mounted at each corner of the Franklin Avenue-North Walnut Street intersection, which is widely considered by safety officials and residents as one of the most dangerous spots for a pedestrian hoping to cross the road. Individuals are encouraged, but not required, to carry one of the flags as they traverse the intersection and replace them into the designated containers after safely crossing.
Signs instructing pedestrians on the appropriate use of the flags have also been installed on site.
By carrying a flag, according to village police, pedestrians will be more visible to motorists approaching the intersection, which is neither guarded by stop signs nor controlled with a traffic signal.
The flags are also meant to remind drivers of Ridgewood’s Stop, Look, Wave: Be Safe Be Seen campaign.
some adjustments still needed
According to municipal engineer Chris Rutishauser, the village will test the usefulness of the crossing flags and, after several weeks, determine whether or not the program will expand to other intersections in the Central Business District.
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/crosswalk-flags-placed-at-busy-ridgewood-intersection-1.1028971#sthash.6LeQGSU7.dpuf
Its a great idea.
I think we are on dangerous ground when we attempt to implement these ad-hoc, local initiatives. Yes, I know the intentions are good, and I can see the logic in saving even a single life. The problem is, these flags, or doing jumping jacks before you cross, are not part of the law. I can see a defense attorney now claiming his client was unable to see the pedestrian because the pedestrian negelected to carry the flag. The public will also view such fatalities as having been preventable had the pedestrian picked up the flag. What about the dozens of other crosswalks that don’t have flags? We seem tohave a mental block in this country where stopping is something we only do at traffic lights or if there’s a obstruction. Even stop signs are considered as suggestions.
I will point out once more that no other civilized country on earth has pedetrian crosswalks that aren’t controlled by traffic lights. You are probably saying to yourself, “that’s not true.” Yes, it is.
These flags are used in many other states for this purpose (Rhode Island, Washington, Idaho, other parts of NJ to name a few) so it is a good step to see if they can be successful in Ridgewood.
More active or aggressive police enforcement would also be a plus. Time to get those talking on there cell phones and speeding which at times is out of control.
I agree on the enforcement issue. Cell phone use while driving is at epidemic proportions.
Yet another effort to idiot proof the world. Carrying flags across an intersection? Really?
you know in ramsey they have crossing guards on week ends .
When this was proposed several years ago, the Village Attorney advised against it warning people would presume the flags offered protection from being hit and would sue the Village if they did get hit. How come it’s okay now?
Does Ramsey have a 0% budget increase?
If RW keeps sending signals to the world that its residents are morons, we’ll lose our “excellence in education” certification.
Not just the residents.
Its the guests, visitors, and people who work in town.