Council updates crosswalk ordinance to require yield when rapid-flashing beacons are activated

The Belton City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 13 (section 13-355) of the city code to add a requirement that when rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) at controlled pedestrian crosswalks have been activated, drivers must yield to pedestrians until they have reached the shoulder of the roadway.

Scott Lyons, the city’s police chief, presented the proposed change and said the ordinance language was reviewed by the city attorney and municipal prosecutor. Lyons told the council the new subsection will make the act of activating the RRFB sufficient to require yielding by drivers. He also described a public-education period: "with these kinds of ordinances, we always allow like a 30 to 60 day window where we're educating the public with a campaign, social media campaign," and that officers will initially warn before issuing citations.

Council members asked when the physical beacon would be installed; a city staff member identified as Joe responded that base work had begun and the unit was out for delivery and should be installed within a week or two after delivery. Another council member asked whether the ordinance would cover future RRFB installations; Lyons said the ordinance language is written to apply to any such installations citywide.

Council consensus was to proceed: the motion for first reading carried. No public opposition was recorded in the meeting minutes. The council also discussed enforcement and education, with staff committing to an awareness campaign before full enforcement.