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Hannah Schafer
(971) 235-8472

hannah.schafer@portlandoregon.gov

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A new directive for Portland's crosswalks

PBOT crews have begun installing new high-visibility crosswalks to heighten safety and visibility for pedestrians.

An example of an older style crosswalk that has been restriped with a high-visibility crosswalk at SW Third Avenue and W Burnside Street. Photo by PBOT.

(Oct. 15, 2019) Throughout Portland, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is installing new high-visibility crosswalks to heighten safety and visibility for pedestrians. With a new directive from the city’s traffic engineer, these high-visibility markings are the new standard for marked crossings in Portland. This is one of the first actions PBOT has taken since Portland City Council adopted a new pedestrian master plan, known as PedPDX, this past June.

What are high-visibility crosswalks and how are they different?

High-visibility crosswalks (sometimes called “continental-style” crosswalks) have thick lines parallel to traffic flow that allow drivers to see the crosswalk from further away. This gives drivers more time to stop safely for pedestrians crossing, or waiting to cross.

As new crosswalks are installed or reinstalled by PBOT crews and contractors, they will include these new high-visibility markings. Where an existing crosswalk already exists, such as the type with two white lines perpendicular to traffic, you will see PBOT adding high-visibility markings into the existing striping.

An example of an older style crosswalk that has been restriped with a high-visibility crosswalk at SE 30th Avenue and Hawthorne Boulevard. New left turn calming rubber speed bumps were also added as part of PBOT's Vision Zero left turn calming pilot. Photo by PBOT.

Why the focus on crossings?

The data collected for PedPDX found that over 40% of pedestrian crashes and 30% of severe and fatal crashes citywide occur at intersections with traffic signals. Over a quarter of all crashes involve a turning driver failing to yield when the pedestrian has the right of way.

Adding high-visibility crosswalks at intersections with traffic signals may help make pedestrians more visible to people driving. PBOT will install these high-visibility crosswalks at intersections with traffic signals and all other marked crossings moving forward. This data-driven approach to solving traffic safety issues is a core tenet of Vision Zero.

You can find more information about PedPDX online at www.pedpdx.com.

Learn more about Vision Zero online at www.visionzeroportland.com. 

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation

The City of Portland complies with all non‐discrimination, Civil Rights laws including Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II. To help ensure equal access to City programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call 503-823-5185, TTY 503-823-6868 or Oregon Relay Service: 711 with such requests, or visit http://bit.ly/13EWaCg