SLO installs traffic beacon at site of fatal crash that killed runner. How does it work?
San Luis Obispo has installed a long-awaited traffic control system on one of its busiest roads that’s designed to maintain flow while increasing safety for pedestrians.
The new pedestrian hybrid beacon on Broad Street officially began operating nearly three weeks ago.
It’s the third of its kind in the city, with similar devices in place at the intersections of Foothill Boulevard and Ferrini Road and Madonna Road and Dalidio Drive.
The city finished installing the beacon at the intersection of Broad and Woodbridge streets a month after a San Luis Obispo woman was struck and killed by a car while running across that intersection on Sept. 4.
Lesley Adams, 48, was hit by a vehicle driving northbound on Broad Street, police said.
Her death took place after the city had partially constructed the new device there, but before crews had fully set up the system.
“This is truly a bittersweet moment as we mourn the recent loss of one of our community members, Lesley Adams, who was tragically killed trying to cross this very street in early September,” city transportation manager Luke Schwartz said in a news release. “We hope these types of projects will prevent tragedies like this from happening again in the future and encourage drivers to yield to their fellow community members walking and biking at these street crossings.”
Broad Street neighbors concerned about safety
For years, residents in the neighborhoods around Broad Street expressed concern that the heavily trafficked roadway is challenging and scary to cross, even for motorists, because of the fast-moving vehicles that used it.
They urged the city to add traffic controls.
“We’re currently are seeing about 30,000 car trips per day and this arterial corridor is one of the busiest in SLO, if not the busiest,” Schwartz said.
The speed limit at the intersection of Broad and Woodbridge streets is 40 miles per hour, but drivers have been known to exceed that threshold — some of them rushing to reach the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport in the southern area of the city.
Prior to Adams’ death, “We had not seen fatalities there, but there were several collisions there,” Schwartz said. “(Broad Street) has been a hot topic of concern.”
According to the Federal Highway Administration, traffic beacons “reduce overall collision rates by 29% and pedestrian collision rates by 69%,” San Luis Obispo officials said in a news release.
“These beacon crossings are often used where conditions do not justify a full traffic signal and a marked crosswalk alone is not sufficient,” the release noted. “A pedestrian hybrid beacon provides a similar crossing experience to a conventional traffic signal for people walking and bicycling, with less disruption to vehicle traffic flows on major city streets.”
Schwartz said that beacons typically cost between $300,000 to $500,000 to install. The Broad Street project cost $420,000.
A fourth beacon is planned for Froom Ranch Way and Oceanaire Drive.
How does SLO’s new traffic beacon work?
Pedestrian hybrid beacons activate to show yellow or red flashing lights, then display a solid red, to slow and then stop motorists as pedestrians or bicyclists cross the roadway.
As the crosswalk clears of pedestrians, the lights blink red and motorists may proceed with caution.
Beacons remain dark when no pedestrians are present, continuing the traffic flow.
The city of San Luis Obispo has recommended several general tips for how to use them safely to best cross busy streets.
The signals don’t activate unless a pedestrian or bicyclist is at the crosswalk and manually pushes the button.
At the intersections of Broad and Woodbridge streets and Foothill Boulevard and Ferrini Road, there are separate push buttons for pedestrians, with sidewalk access, and cyclists, with bike lane access, Schwartz said.
A traditional traffic light system would mean longer wait times for drivers because cars can’t proceed until the red light turns green regardless of whether anyone’s in the crosswalk.
“There are certain thresholds based on traffic volumes, number of pedestrian crossings and collision history that must be met before the city can legally install a full traffic signal,” Schwartz said in a city-created YouTube video on hybrid beacons.
How to cross a road safely
According to the city, here’s what road users should know about crossing safety, whether a beacon is there or not.
Pedestrians should:
▪ Only cross at marked crosswalks or intersections with a stop sign or signal.
▪ Look for cars backing up. Avoid going between parked cars.
▪ Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t assume they see you.
▪ Wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight when walking at night.
Drivers should:
▪ Wait for pedestrians to cross the street. Be courteous and patient.
▪ Stay off the phone.
▪ No speeding. Speed limits are not suggestions.
▪ Look for pedestrians when backing up, turning at intersections or entering/exiting shopping centers.
Cyclists should:
▪ Always wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law for anyone under 18.
▪ Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
This story was originally published October 13, 2021 at 8:00 AM.
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