I hope, by now, you’ve seen the new “virtual crossing guard” with bright signage and blinking lights on Almonte Boulevard in unincorporated Mill Valley. I am pleased to announce that the Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW) has completed installation of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) to help make people much more visible at this popular crossing. The technology is designed to improve safety by alerting oncoming drivers that pedestrians are in the crosswalk.

Over the years, I’ve heard from many community members about the need for safety enhancements here. Due to the large and growing volume of traffic, speed of vehicles, the curve in the roadway and the heavy use by pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders, this crossing has seen a number of improvements installed over the years, including high visibility paint for the crosswalk, ADA improvements, and better lighting. But, our goal has always been to install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon for enhanced visibility at this heavily trafficked crossing.

The project, which included 3 RRFBs at different locations throughout the County, was funded by two grants totaling $100,000 from the Transportation Authority of Marin’s Safe Pathways Program. The 3 locations were selected based on recorded issues with vehicles not yielding to pedestrians. The data for those crosswalks was higher than average and was confirmed by the California Highway Patrol and Marin County Sheriff’s Office.

Flashing beacon technology enhances safety at “uncontrolled crosswalks,” where there are no other forms of traffic control. Adding beacons to a crosswalk increases the numbers of vehicles yielding to pedestrians and bicyclists from 18% to 81%. There are 10 flashing beacons in the 421-mile network of County-maintained roadways in unincorporated Marin.

Remember to use the pedestrian crossing button (with your elbow!) at this location when you cross the road. It’s there for everyone’s safety. Thanks to our Marin County Department of Public Works traffic and roads department staff for their hard work in bringing this “blinking” new safety amenity to this busy crossing in District Three.

As always, stay in touch with me at ksears@marincounty.org and let me know what you think about this newest addition to the neighborhood while you are out taking "shelter in place" walks or bike rides.