Blind resident urges audible crosswalk signals; Lions Club offers to help fund installations

Michael Webker, a legally blind Prescott Valley resident, told the Town Council on March 26 that audible pedestrian signals at crosswalks are a safety and accessibility priority. “Without a clear sound indicating when it is safe to cross, they must rely on traffic noise, guesswork, or assistance from strangers,” Webker said, urging the council to evaluate intersections for the devices and suggesting Florentine and Glassford Hill Road as a first location.

The appeal drew a staff response from Town Manager Davidson, who said the town considers accessible crossings a priority and has begun installing audible signals along Glassford Hill Road. “This is a priority for our town,” Davidson said, and invited Webker to follow up with public works staff about future plans.

Dave Baker, president of the Prescott Valley Early Bird Lions Club, spoke in support of Webker’s request and offered a partnership. “As a club, we’re in support of this, and we would like to actually partner with the town and see about sponsoring the intersection that Mike mentioned,” Baker said, adding the club could provide partial or full funding and would like its name associated with an installation to raise awareness.

Webker cited state disability statistics during his remarks, saying roughly 195,000 Arizonans live with a vision disability (about 2.7 percent of the state’s population), and argued that small infrastructure changes can make a significant difference in independence for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Town staff did not provide a project timeline or cost estimate during the meeting but said public works staff are available to discuss specific intersections and next steps. Council members did not take formal action at the meeting; the item was discussed during the public comment period and will require follow-up by staff if pursued.