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Committee weighs automated RRFBs, all-way stops after pedestrian near-misses at South Liberty and Oak Hill
Summary
Delaware City staff reported low use of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) by Ohio Wesleyan students and presented traffic counts; staff and chiefs expressed safety and emergency-response concerns and proposed further analysis, outreach to Ohio Wesleyan and consideration of automated beacon activation.
Delaware City staff and public safety chiefs discussed pedestrian safety at two campus-area intersections — South Liberty Street at Rowland/Roland and Oak Hill — during the April 29 Parking and Safety Committee meeting, focusing on whether to add all-way stops or rely on RRFBs (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons).
Chief Moore told the committee he observed pedestrians crossing without activating the existing RRFBs and cautioned that "we're never going to be able to create a condition where it makes someone who's misusing the street safe," arguing outreach and engineering both matter. The fire chief raised an operational concern that an all-way stop near the firehouse ramp could cause traffic stacking that would impede emergency response.
Bill, the city's traffic engineer, summarized the counts staff have collected: during the morning period (7–9 a.m.) there is roughly one student crossing every 2.5 minutes, while at midday the crossing rate rises to about one student every 45 seconds. Vehicle volumes, however, are much higher — roughly one vehicle every eight to nine seconds during those periods. Bill said the observed behavior indicates an "assistance is needed to cross" condition and noted that less than 10% of students actually use the RRFB devices when crossing.
Staff also reported crash data from the state system for the last five years showing 11 crashes at the locations in question; none reported major injuries and none involved pedestrians, though two involved bicyclists who rode off the curb into traffic. Based on preliminary analysis, staff said they do not expect traditional warrants for an all-way stop and do not see accident history that would immediately justify one.
Committee members discussed alternatives including outreach to Ohio Wesleyan University to encourage students to use the RRFBs, exploring automated RRFBs that activate when a pedestrian approaches (beam or presence detection), consolidating crosswalks to improve visibility, and evaluating the potential to install an automated beacon if students are unlikely to press buttons. Members emphasized careful wording of outreach so the message does not appear to blame only pedestrians.
Staff said it will complete a fuller technical analysis, consider automated activation technology and reach out to Ohio Wesleyan about messaging and possible on-campus signage. No formal committee vote was recorded; staff will return with analysis and recommendations.
