California/Dakota gets first of 3 ‘rectangular rapid-flash beacons’ set for West Seattle crosswalks; Delridge, Highland Park next

| Safety | West Seattle news

A video posted by West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) on May 31, 2015 at 1:55pm PDT

Have you seen the new safety lights on the crosswalk signs at California/Dakota, north of The Junction? We noticed them earlier this week, grabbed the quick Instagram clip you see above, and then asked SDOT’s Brian Dougherty if more are on the way for West Seattle. Yes, he replied, two more so far:

The new rectangular rapid flash beacons (RRFB) at California Avenue SW and SW Dakota Street were funded and installed by SDOT’s Safe Routes to School program. This is one of several RRFBs that will be installed at school crosswalks this year; the other two locations in West Seattle include the new Delridge midblock crosswalk that will be installed in front of the Boren building, and SW Holden Street and 11th Avenue SW near Riverview Playfields (funded by Neighborhood Park and Street Fund). Both of those are planned to be installed this summer.

Boren also remains a top candidate for West Seattle’s next school-zone speed camera, Dougherty confirms, but the list of upcoming installations hasn’t been finalized yet.

Mark schletty June 2, 2015 (3:50 pm)

I used to have a friend who had severe epilepsy. She told me, and her doctor confirmed, that rapid flashing lights like these and the strobe lights that many bikers use cause many people with epilepsy to have seizures. The city really needs to take a look at this, because if this is accurate they are going to cause some very unpleasant and dangerous unintended side effects.

WSB June 2, 2015 (3:54 pm)

As linked above, these are not a Seattle invention, and they’re not new; this has been addressed, second to last paragraph on this page:
.
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/knowledge/faqs/faq_part4.htm

Peri June 2, 2015 (4:01 pm)

These lights are also much more effective than the constantly blinking lights that we see all over West Seattle (on California, on Admiral, etc). It’s a real worry about your friend, but these lights can be lifesavers, and to me that is a greater benefit!

BJG June 2, 2015 (4:58 pm)

AMBAUM WAY has these bright blinking crosswalk lights and I hoped we would have them soon. They announce someone who is entering the crosswalk so drivers must stop…much better than the constant flashes that don’t say much. ABOUT THE STROBING: I have migraines induced by flashing lights, but this sequence doesn’t bother. If it did, I would avert my eyes. That is usually enough to avoid any discomfort. As mentioned by WSB, these are only activated occasionally and at cycles considered safe for epileptics. I would be happy to see more of them on California and 35th.

LBJ June 2, 2015 (5:50 pm)

I hope they are much more visible in person than they are in this video. I had to do a bit of scanning before I noticed them.

WSB June 2, 2015 (6:01 pm)

LBJ – it’s phone video so not the highest resolution. They’re brighter and more golden in person. Sorry, we just spotted them while out the other day without even our main camera; should have gone back for a closer-up view, didn’t have time.

Cheis w June 2, 2015 (6:51 pm)

@LBJ I was skeptical until I saw them in action. Cars stop. As a pedestrian, I love them!

civik June 2, 2015 (6:59 pm)

LBJ, they have these installed on seneca downtown at the Virginia Mason entrance. They are bright and amazingly helpful.

Robin26 June 2, 2015 (9:52 pm)

Can’t wait to have more lights on Delridge! This morning a car passed me in the middle lane – going at least 35 in the 20 zone.

KM June 2, 2015 (11:08 pm)

Fantastic! These types of illuminated crosswalks look like they’re doing far more help than harm. Excited to see these around our neighborhood and hoping for more.

Dan June 3, 2015 (12:51 am)

These are perfect I loved the concept from when I first spotted them on Tukwila International Blvd. Honestly nowadays cars rarely stop for pedestrians hoping someone will behind them. Shamefully i’ve done it a couple times. Its a good start and hope to see more in West Seattle and Seattle in general but I also hope they add more lights illuminating the walkways of major crossroads like i’ve seen in other places.

owlnpkat June 3, 2015 (1:04 am)

They should put these at school zones too. I guess that will never happen though because they want you to not notice the school zone camera. It’s a cash cow.

miws June 3, 2015 (7:49 am)

Ummmmm…..owlnpkat, as quoted above in the article, from SDOT’s Brian Dougherty:

The new rectangular rapid flash beacons (RRFB) at California Avenue SW and SW Dakota Street were funded and installed by SDOT’s

Safe Routes to School program. This is one of several RRFBs that will be installed at school crosswalks this year; the other two locations in West Seattle include the new Delridge midblock crosswalk that will be installed in front of the Boren building, and SW Holden Street and 11th Avenue SW near Riverview Playfields (funded by Neighborhood Park and Street Fund). Both of those are planned to be installed this summer.

Mike

West Sea Neighbor June 3, 2015 (8:18 am)

I use the RRFB on east marginal to cross safely and legally to the bike lane on the opposite side every morning. It really works–cars and semis stop almost immediately once I hit the button.

anne June 3, 2015 (7:04 pm)

I’d love to see one of these at 35th and Barton. Drivers who stop for pedestrians are the exception, not the rule.I’ve had dozens of near misses and have been knocked down once.

Happy ex-neighbor June 3, 2015 (9:49 pm)

As someone who lost her dog, and almost husband, at that crosswalk I am very happy to see SDOT keep their promise to improve it. When I lived near there, drivers consistently neglected to stop when pedestrians were present. I really hope this ends up being effective.

Sorry, comment time is over.