City installs pedestrian safety enhancements

Published on March 02, 2022

Pedestrian safety is a high priority for the Lakewood City Council, and the council recently became aware of an opportunity to take part in a pilot program for the installation of enhanced pedestrian safety devices.

In late February, three crosswalks in Lakewood received the enhanced safety devices.

Crosswalks at Bloomfield Ave./Lemming St. received what’s called an “Edgelight Sign” (photo above), and crosswalks at Bellflower Blvd./Hardwick St. and Del Amo Blvd./Coldbrook Ave. received a “Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon” (see photo below). 

Both devices include push buttons and a system to automatically activate the signs as a pedestrian approaches.

The city will analyze the effectiveness of the new signs to see how they might be applied to other crosswalks in Lakewood.

The City Council also budgeted funds this year to hire an additional Deputy Sheriff dedicated to traffic safety. Lakewood now has two full-time Deputy Sheriffs focused on the important role of enforcing laws against unsafe driving, such as speeding, running stop signs and lights, distracted driving, and driving under the influence.

The City Council has made it clear,” said City Manager Thaddeus McCormack, “that protecting our residents when they are driving, walking or bicycling is a high priority, and I am very pleased that the Council has allocated the funds to enable us to implement some important and innovative safety enhancements in our community.