Did you know that when you're riding in the street (acting as a vehicle) and a school bus stops with flashing red lights, you must stop before reaching it and wait, just like any other vehicle on the road (see ORS 811.155). Easy enough. But cyclists also have the ability under Oregon law to become pedestrians (ORS 814.410). If you choose to exercise that option and use the sidewalk to cautiously pass, keep these rules (from Dan Pegoda of the Animated Traffic Law Center) in mind:

• Yield right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal when passing
• Slow to walking speed when crossing a crosswalk or driveway
• Don't operate your bicycle in a careless manner
• Don't operate an electric-assisted bicycle

Crosswalk Flashing Beacons

We have installed Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at about a dozen Tigard crosswalks including Greenburg Road, Walnut Street, Grant Avenue, 121st Avenue, Bonita Road, and 68th Parkway.

The solar-powered beacons, stationed along both sides of the street, are mounted on posts with typical crosswalk signage. Pedestrians press a button to activate the beacons, which produce yellow flashing lights. The lights signal motorists to yield to pedestrians waiting at the curb or walking in the crosswalk. Depending on the width of the crossing, beacons flash for 20 to 40 seconds before turning off automatically. Research shows that crosswalk beacons significantly increase the number of motorists who yield to pedestrians up to 98 percent.

We have installed one pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) at Durham Road and 88th Avenue by Durham High School. The PHB is a regulatory traffic control device, like a traffic signal. PHBs are very effective on higher volume roadways. 

Crosswalk Reminders

Drivers:

• Follow the “Basic Rule” – drive at a speed that is reasonable and cautious for existing conditions.
• Be alert for pedestrians and other vulnerable roadway users, particularly at crosswalks and intersections.
• Yield to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the street.
• Keep in mind that, according to state law, a crosswalk exists across all sides of an intersection—even if the crosswalk is not marked.

Pedestrians:

• Cross at designated signals or crosswalks where motorists expect to see you.
• Don't assume drivers can see you - make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street.
• Make yourself visible to motorists; consider wearing reflective clothing at night.