Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)

Purpose

The RRFB (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon) is a device used in combination with signage to provide a high-visibility strobe-like warning to drivers when pedestrians use a crosswalk. RRFBs consist of two, rectangular-shaped yellow indications, each with a LED-array-based light source. RRFBs flash with an alternating high frequency when activated to enhance the conspicuity of pedestrians at the crossing to drivers.

Local Examples

• Warm Springs Ave. at Adams Elementary School
• Near intersection of Ustick and Five Mile Rd.

RRFBs are indicated by Orange Squares in the map below.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)

Purpose

A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) is a type of beacon used to warn and control traffic at an unsignalized location to assist pedestrians in crossing a street or highway at a marked crosswalk. They should be utilized when traffic speeds are over 35-40 MPH and are common near schools where safe crossing is highly prioritized.

Local Examples

• Ustick Rd. at Frontier Elementary and between Cloverdale Rd and Five Mile Rd
• Broadway Ave between Warm Springs and Front St.
• PHBs are indicated by blue pentagons in the map below

Two-Stage Crossings

Refuge Islands

Purpose

Refuge islands enhance the safety of pedestrian crossings and reduce vehicle speeds approaching pedestrian crossings. Crossing islands or a large center median provide a safe space to facilitate safer movement

Z-Crossings

Purpose

A Z-Crossing's goal is to provide an additional pedestrian turn, requiring the user to face traffic prior to crossing the second section of the road. By providing a safe space in between lanes for a pedestrian to wait, Z-Crossings do not require both lanes of traffic to stop at the same time and provide an increase in pedestrian safety.

Local Examples

• Capitol Blvd.
• Fairview Ave.
• State St.
• Cherry Lane (In front of Meridian Public Library)
• W. Ustick Rd (between Cloverdale and Five Mile)

Leading Pedestrian Interval

 Purpose

Leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) give pedestrians time to establish their presence in the crosswalk before motorists can start turning. An LPI means that once traffic has stopped, pedestrian signals will activate before traffic is allowed to turn.

Local Examples

• Numerous crosswalks in the downtown area, and interspersed throughout the county in higher pedestrian traffic areas.

Scramble (Barnes Dance)

Scramble crossings, also known as a 'Barnes Dance', stops all traffic movement to allow for complete pedestrian movement in the entire intersection, reducing motorist-pedestrian conflicts, and speeding up pedestrian movement.

Local Examples

• Lincoln and University intersection on Boise State University Campus, (image on the right)

Push Buttons

Purpose

Pedestrian push buttons are detectors intended to provide pedestrians with the ability to activate a pedestrian signal. Some have audio cues, some vibrate when pushed, and others are simple boxes with a silver button. Push buttons are meant to reassure pedestrians that they have a position in a signal sequence, improve accessibility and stop traffic when necessary.