Traffic committee proposes pedestrian-flag pilot at busy crosswalks; council to fund pilot from transportation dollars

Keizer’s Traffic Safety, Bikeways and Pedestrian Committee presented a plan on April 7 to pilot pedestrian flags at selected marked crosswalks on collector and neighborhood streets, with the first test location proposed at the Chemawa crosswalk near Welsh Way and 15th Street.

The committee discussed a controlled pilot that would run from June through December to evaluate whether flags help drivers notice pedestrians at marked crossings. Committee member Bridal Lam said neighborhood groups would supply and maintain flags for the pilot and that the city would provide limited transportation‑dollars funding to support initial purchases and installation of flag holders after public‑works review.

Under the proposed program, flags would be allowed only at marked crosswalks on roads with posted speeds of 30 mph or less; applications would require pre‑approval by Public Works, which would confirm mounting details, materials, and safety. The pilot would include QR codes on flag holders so residents could submit feedback on effectiveness and problems. Lam said neighborhood associations — specifically the West Keizer Neighborhood Association in this case — would check and restock flags as needed during the pilot.

Council members asked staff and committee members several questions. Councilor Duran raised liability concerns about pedestrians using flags; staff replied that liability would be determined case‑by‑case under existing traffic and tort rules and that the city would restrict flags to marked crosswalks to reduce risk. Council President Starr asked whether other jurisdictions have tried the program; staff and committee members reported anecdotal examples from Idaho and Washington where flags have been used successfully and cases where flags were removed or discontinued. Council President Starr requested that staff check Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) guidance and include that assessment in the pilot report.

Public‑works staff said they will approve mounting locations and ensure installations are compatible with city infrastructure. If the pilot proves successful, the program would be left to volunteers or sponsoring neighborhood associations to fund ongoing flag replacement and maintenance, though the city may provide limited start‑up funds from transportation dollars. Council President Starr said the council would expect a staff report after the pilot before deciding on a permanent program.

What happens next: staff will work with the committee and the West Keizer Neighborhood Association to finalize a pilot plan, including ODOT review, mounting details, and a communication plan; the pilot will run June–December and return to council with evaluation and recommendations for further action.