Main Street pedestrian flags recommended for high-use crossings; commission approves initial placements

Yukon Main Street presented six pedestrian-flag kits and asked the Traffic Commission to authorize permanent flag holders at selected downtown crosswalks to improve pedestrian visibility. The commission recommended installing holders at the core downtown block and two special crosswalk locations and approved the proposal to move forward with placement of the holders.

Vicky Davis, representing Yukon Main Street, said the kits were purchased with surplus funds from an AARP Community Challenge grant for pedestrian safety during downtown events and described how the flags are used: holders are mounted at corners and pedestrians remove a flag on one side, carry it across and return it to the holder on the far side. Davis said the organization bought reflective flags and extra rings and that the holders are simple PVC fixtures; she said volunteers and businesses could manage flag placement during events or busy periods. “Any little thing that we can do that just helps 1 person or makes them feel more comfortable, safe…is a good thing,” she said.

Commissioners discussed related issues raised by Davis, including worn or missing crosswalk markings, limited sight lines at the Ninth Street/Main Street crossing, pedestrian timing at the Fifth Street crossing and inadequate lighting on Main Street. Commissioners asked whether the flags would be permanent; Davis said holders would be permanent but flags might be removed or monitored to address vandalism or theft. A motion to install holders at the four corners of the 400 block plus two special walkways was recommended by commissioners and carried on a recorded vote. The commission also encouraged staff follow-up on crosswalk repainting, signal timing for pedestrian phases and lighting improvements as complementary actions.