FABB Blog

 

Crosswalk signs on W&OD Trail in Falls Church

We noticed that the City of Falls Church recently installed signs in the middle of the crosswalks on most of the side streets intersecting the W&OD Trail. The signs warn motorists to Yield to Pedestrians. We thought they were a great idea; others aren't so happy with the signs, saying they are a hazard to trail users. What do you think?

Similar signs are in place in Vienna (see a Google Maps Street View of the Vienna signs). The Vienna signs are placed on the outer edges of the crosswalk. They pose less of a hazard than the Falls Church signs, but if there are several people crossing at one time, either location could be a potential problem. Personally we think either location works and their presence sends a strong message to motorists. The side facing the trail should have reflective material and be easily seen by cyclists. From this photo linked on the BikeWashingtonDC listserv, that's not the case with the Falls Church signs.

We've been told that due to cyclists' complaints, the signs were removed yesterday. Let's hope they return in a safer location.

This is guidance from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices on use of the in-street pedestrian crossing signs.

Labels: crosswalk signs, W and OD Trail

posted by Bruce Wright at 2:13 PM permalink