Handheld Crossing Flags

River Grove Crosswalk Flags Project

We are excited to announce the installation of handheld crossing flags, also known as 'See Me Flags' to assist with pedestrian safety at five crossings around River Grove Elementary School.

This project is a joint effort of the River Grove SAC, the Rosewood Neighborhood Association Board and Cub Scouts Pack 203 who assisted with assembling the flag holders (toward the Webelos Arrow of Light Badge). We received donated/discounted supplies for this project from both See Me Flags and our local Tigard Home Depot. Thanks for the support!

Handheld crossing flags have been shown to be successful in gaining the attention of drivers at designated crosswalk areas. Please explain the proper use of the flags to any family members who would be walking to the school. These are NOT 'magic flags' and will not make cars stop, they are simply an aid in visibility. A flag should be held and waived while safely off the roadway until cars have stopped and eye contact has been made with the driver, then carried across the road and deposited in the bin on the other side.

We hope this project enhances neighborhood pedestrian safety.

History

A group of concerned parents got together to talk about the Safe Routes to School Program and grand process to create safer pathways. During these conversations, they came across the idea of handheld crossing flags which could help increase crossing safety immediately in our neighborhood. This is when the handheld crossing flag project was born.

Efforts

• Researched cost of project, $125-$150 per intersection.

  • DIY Directions

• Communicated with Erica Rooney, City Engineer & Director for Lake Oswego to aquire the approvals needed to install the flags. Requirements:

  • The flags should only be placed at existing marked crosswalks that are not otherwise controlled by any other electronic traffic control devices (i.e. a traffic signal or Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon);

  • The flag holders should be attached to poles/posts using temporary mounting materials such as zip-ties and may not obstruct existing signs;

  • The flag holders should be within 5 feet of the crosswalk; and

  • Flags should be a minimum of 10”x10” in size, and made with orange or florescent yellow-green material.

• Coordinated with Cub Scout Pack 203 to build the holders as part of their Webelos Arrow of Light Badge.

• Worked with the River Grove SAC to have the projected funded and procurement of materials.

  • Thanks River Grove Elementary with a special shout out to Dr. Draper and Ana Ryan for their help!!

• Coordinated with the 'see me flags' company to get discounted direction stickers to help educate pedestrians on the proper use of handheld flags.

Press