Pedestrian flag pilot proposed for Chemawa area; applicant told to revise request to crosswalk location

A West Keizer Neighborhood Association representative proposed a pilot pedestrian-flag program for crossings near Keizer Rapids Park and the committee discussed a location on Chemawa Road near 15th Avenue.

The association’s volunteer said the flags would increase pedestrian visibility at a park access point and that the group would handle flag placement; staff clarified the pilot includes conditions such as public-works approval of the specific pole/location, a speed limit no greater than 30 mph, and a requirement that flags not obstruct signs. City staff and legal counsel recommended piloting flags at a painted crosswalk rather than mid-block locations that lack crosswalk markings.

Committee members asked the applicant to revise the submitted application to identify a marked/paved crosswalk location for the pilot and return with a corrected application. The committee did not vote to approve a permanent program; instead the committee agreed to hold the application pending a revised submission and staff review. City staff said the pilot would be at no cost to the city for the flags themselves; a small administrative review and staff coordination would be required.

Next steps: Applicant to work with staff to select a painted crosswalk location (committee members suggested the crosswalk closer to the park as a candidate), update the application to identify the precise crosswalk, and return the revised application to the committee for a final recommendation to council.