2019-080 Pedestrian Event Signage at the SquareDate: April 19, 2019 Report No. 2019-080
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Use of event pedestrian signage on the Downtown Square during weekends.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On April 5, 2019, Council Member Briggs inquired as to whether pedestrian warning signage
typically placed in roads for events can be used on the Downtown Square to assist with weekend
traffic.
BACKGROUND:
The signs are intended to be placed on the in between lanes within the roadway to provide an
additional notification that drivers should be mindful of above average pedestrian traffic at or
between intersections (see image below).
While additional signage usually provides a positive impact, use of
these signs at the Square may be problematic. The crosswalks
around the square are regulated by the stop and go traffic signals,
specifically indicating to the pedestrians when they have right-of-
way to cross the street. Pedestrians do not always have the right-of-
way. The signs, which indicate that drivers should yield to the
crosswalk, would give a mixed signal to both the drivers and the
pedestrians as to who has the right-of-way, which could increase the
pedestrian hazards we are trying to avoid. A vehicle may have a
green light to proceed through the intersection while a pedestrian
believes the sign indicates the vehicle will stop. Additionally, as a
general rule of traffic direction, if the signal lights can do the job
then they should be allowed to dictate the flow of traffic; it avoids
confusion for the public.
DPD also evaluated using the signs mid-block between the
crosswalks in an attempt to warn drivers of pedestrians. The Square,
which has consecutive streets regulated by traffic signals, is one of
the only areas in town where it is against the traffic code for a
pedestrian to cross the street outside the crosswalks. This happens
frequently on the square, as people move from between the parked vehicles to cross the street. In
placing the signs mid-block, staff feels this would encourage this behavior as well as add the
previous mentioned confusion for the driver.
DPD is currently engaging in efforts to increase the police presence on the square, specifically
bike and foot patrol, and to lessen the chances that we have any issues we should engage the public
with education and enforcement when violations occur.
Date: April 19, 2019 Report No. 2019-080
CONCLUSION:
Event signage, while very effective for high pedestrian events, may create confusion and
potentially increase unsafe pedestrian activity when used on a regular basis at the Downtown
Square.
STAFF CONTACT:
Ryan Adams
Assistant to the City Manager
(940) 349-8565
Ryan.Adams@cityofdenton.com
Paul Willenbrock
Deputy Police Chief
(940) 349-7939
Paul.Willenbrock@cityofdenton.com