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Pedestrian Safety Tips for Crossing Flagstaff’s Busy Intersections

Updated: May 1


A pedestrian crossing on a marked crosswalk in Flagstaff under an activated pedestrian signal. The red lights above the crosswalk indicate that vehicles must stop, while a yellow pedestrian crossing sign is visible on the right. The background features tall pine trees and a clear blue sky, characteristic of Greater Flagstaff’s natural landscape

As Flagstaff continues to grow, so does the need for safer streets—especially for vulnerable road users (anyone traveling on the road outside of a car) navigating busy intersections. Increased traffic, changing road patterns, and distracted driving all contribute to the risks faced by those on foot. MetroPlan is dedicated to educating the community, sharing safety tips, and advocating for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to help make Greater Flagstaff’s streets safer for everyone.

A MetroPlan Greater Flagstaff risk assessment map highlighting high-risk roads in red and lower-risk areas in orange and yellow. A table on the left lists factors affecting risk scores, such as lanes, turn lanes, bike facilities, speed limits, and vehicle volume.

In this article, we’ll share four essential pedestrian safety tips to help residents and visitors stay safe at busy intersections. By following these guidelines, we can all contribute to a safer, more walkable Flagstaff!


4 Key Safety Tips for Busy Intersections


Navigating busy intersections can be challenging, especially in a growing city like Flagstaff. With increased foot traffic and evolving roadway designs, it's essential for pedestrians to stay informed and practice safe crossing habits. By following these key safety tips, you can reduce risks and contribute to a safer walking environment for everyone.

 

A digital illustration of a pedestrian crossing a marked crosswalk with safety features, including pedestrian crossing signs and in-street yield signs reminding drivers to stop for pedestrians. Two insets zoom in on specific signs: one showing a yellow pedestrian crossing sign and another displaying a "State Law: Yield to Pedestrians Within Crosswalk" sign.

Use Designated Crosswalks and Obey Signals


Always cross at marked crosswalks, intersections, or corners—drivers are more likely to expect pedestrians in these locations.


Crossing Tips:

  • Cross at marked crosswalks, intersections, or corners where drivers are more aware of pedestrians.

  • Look left-right-left before crossing and listen for oncoming traffic.

  • Watch for vehicles or bicycles turning in front of you.


Pedestrian and Crossing Enhancements In Progress:

  • High-visibility crosswalk enhancements: Ladder-style designs and high-visibility paint or tape make crosswalks stand out.

  • Improved lighting: Enhances visibility at night and reduces pedestrian silhouettes, making them easier for drivers to see.

  • Enhanced pavement markings and signs: "STOP here for pedestrians" markings help reinforce safety.

  • Stop or yield bars (shark teeth markings): Encourage vehicles to stop farther from intersections, increasing pedestrian safety.

  • Pedestrian refuge islands: Raised median islands provide a safe midpoint when crossing wide streets, shorten crossing distances, assist individuals with disabilities, and help slow down traffic to reduce pedestrian crashes.

  • Enhanced crossings with visual and audible cues: Support safer crossings for all pedestrians.

These enhancements play a crucial role in making Greater Flagstaff’s streets safer for pedestrians, ensuring that crosswalks are more visible and accessible for all road users.


Stay Visible, Especially at Night


Flagstaff’s designation as a Dark Sky City means reduced street lighting in some areas, making it crucial for pedestrians to remain visible.


Visibility Tips:

  • Wear bright or reflective clothing to help drivers see you.

  • Carry a flashlight or use a phone flashlight when walking at night.

  • Avoid crossing in dimly lit areas where visibility is low.

  • Stay on well-lit paths and crosswalks whenever possible.


Lighting Enhancements for Pedestrian Safety:

  • Improved street lighting: Strategically placed lighting enhances visibility without creating harsh silhouettes that make pedestrians harder to see from a vehicle.

  • Enhanced pedestrian crossings: Upgraded lighting at key intersections ensures pedestrians remain visible at night.

  • Advocacy for safer crossings: MetroPlan continues to push for improvements that prioritize nighttime pedestrian safety.


Make Eye Contact with Drivers Before Crossing


One of the simplest yet most effective safety measures is making eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. This ensures that they see you and are prepared to stop.


Crosswalk safety is a shared responsibility for all road users. Making eye contact helps confirm that both pedestrians and drivers are aware of each other. While distracted driving is a concern, it’s equally important for pedestrians and cyclists to stay attentive. Remember—eyes up, phones down! Whether you're behind the wheel, on foot, or biking, staying focused on the road enhances safety for everyone.


Know Flagstaff’s Right-of-Way Laws


Understanding right-of-way laws can prevent many avoidable pedestrian crashes. In Flagstaff, drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, but pedestrians should always ensure vehicles have stopped before crossing.


Common misconceptions, such as assuming all vehicles will stop at marked crosswalks, can lead to dangerous situations. Being aware of local traffic laws and exercising caution can make a significant difference in your safety and that of those you share the road with!


How Flagstaff is Improving Pedestrian Safety


The City of Flagstaff is actively working to improve pedestrian safety by prioritizing the Complete Streets guidelines in its planning process. This includes the following improvements:

  • New crosswalks with high-visibility markings

  • Better lighting at key intersections

  • Pedestrian refuge islands to create safer crossing points

  • Smart crosswalks that improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety


A side-by-side comparison of a road before and after implementing Complete Streets improvements. The "Before" side shows a wide, multi-lane road without pedestrian or bike infrastructure. The "After" side features added crosswalks, bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and dedicated turning lanes, promoting safer and more accessible streets for all users. Logos of the National Complete Streets Coalition and CityHealth are visible at the bottom.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed: Join the Movement for a Safer Greater Flagstaff


Remember that safety is a shared responsibility! Whether you're walking, biking, or rolling, small actions—like staying visible, making eye contact, and using designated crossings—help make our streets safer for everyone.


MetroPlan continues to advocate for better pedestrian infrastructure, education, and awareness. Stay updated on upcoming road improvements and pedestrian safety initiatives by connecting with us:







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