Safety

Know the Law:

Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks - see California Vehicle Code Section 21950.

"Crosswalk" is defined in California Vehicle Code Section 275 as either:

(a) That portion of a roadway included within the prolongation or connection of the boundary lines of sidewalks at intersections where the intersecting roadways meet at approximately right angles, except the prolongation of such lines from an alley across a street.

(b) Any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

More information about the Laws and Rules of the Road can be found in the California Driver Handbook.

SFMTA Pedestrian Safety Projects:

SFMTA staff are researching and implementing numerous projects under our Program, including:

• Enhanced crosswalks--
  • "Ladder crosswalks" have been installed at schools and mid-block locations throughout the City, using grant funding and fines from red light violators
  • "Flashing crosswalks" with flashing in-pavement lights to alert drivers to pedestrians are being tested in three locations
  • Flashing beacons to alert drivers that pedestrians are crossing at crosswalks, activated by push buttons or automatic detection of pedestrians;
• Pedestrian countdown signals - These let people know how much time they have left to cross the street and have replaced standard pedestrian crossing signals throughout the City. Walking time has also been extended for crossing major streets;
• Accessible Pedestrian Signals - The City is installing audible pedestrian signals (APS) to improve accessibility for the blind and visually impaired to cross streets at signalized crosswalks;
• Brighter warning signs - Fluorescent yellow green signs have been installed predominantly near schools, using grant funding and fines from red light violators;
• Priority signal timing - At intersections with unique demands, pedestrians receive head starts (leading pedestrian intervals) or a "pedestrian scramble" (pedestrian auto-free phase);
• Public education efforts - Our groups are working to demystify pedestrian signals and provide safety tips;
• Red visibility curbs - Red zones on approaches to crosswalks improve sight distance between pedestrians and approaching motorists. See our red zone flyer for more information.
• Sidewalk bulb-outs and median island improvements - at heavily traveled intersections with wide crossings, we have made changes to shorten crossing distances and increase pedestrian visibility
• Automated detection of pedestrians crossing late - to extend the crossing time for pedestrians who otherwise could be caught finishing their crossing on the red light. Read the Evaluation of the Ninth and Howard Pedestrian Detection Pilot (accessible pdf).

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