Efforts in Rehoboth Beach to enhance pedestrian safety

At the recent Mayors and Commissioners meeting on April 8th, a representative from the Rossi Group presented the final findings of their traffic and parking study. During the presentation, it was disclosed that the Rossi Group has submitted a request to DelDOT to assess and optimize traffic signals and implement what are known as leading pedestrian intervals.

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - At the recent Mayors and Commissioners meeting on April 8th, a representative from the Rossi Group presented the final findings of their traffic and parking study. During the presentation, it was revealed that the Rossi Group has submitted a request to DelDOT to assess and optimize traffic signals and to implement what are known as leading pedestrian intervals.

The Rossi Group proposed giving pedestrians an extra three to seven seconds to cross before turning vehicles get the green light at intersections. According to the Federal Highway Administration, programming traffic lights to provide pedestrians more time to cross at crosswalks actually reduces pedestrian-vehicle accidents at intersections by 13 percent.

Avid bicyclist Mary Barnhart expressed her reluctance to ride her bike in Rehoboth during the summer.

"I'm safer now than when the cars are here," said Barnhart.

Others, like Jay Lingo, say giving people more time to cross is necessary because not everyone walks at a fast pace.

"You see people with canes, they have mobility issues, or people with pets, so there's a lot of reasons to just take a little time and slow down."

The Rossi Group stated that DelDOT is expected to complete the study by memorial day. 

 
 
 

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