HOW TO CONDUCT A PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK ACTION

by David Levinger
2005

What is a Crossing Action?

· Draw attention to a dangerous crossing,

· Step-up the energy-level of your advocacy organization,

· Educate drivers about pedestrian safety and crosswalk laws,

· Communicate your vision for a pedestrian-friendly community…

All of these are good descriptions of what happens when pedestrians come together and cross the street in an organized fashion, toting signs and smiles. When you’re out in numbers, crossing the street becomes a political statement. A Crossing Action brings together people concerned about pedestrian safety, rights, and transportation priorities.

 

Definition: A Crossing Action is an organized event in which a group of pedestrians repeatedly crosses a street in marked and/or unmarked crosswalks in a legal fashion, so as to communicate messages to drivers, pedestrians, media representatives and other observers. Members of the organized group carry signs with educational and advocacy messages. Crossing actions can involve as few as 10 or more than 40 people, but sufficient numbers are required to communicate the messages with strength and diversity.

Planning tasks

Overall, you need to set aside 4 to 16 hours to successfully plan a crossing action. This depends upon how extensively you plan and promote the event, the size of the crowd you’re expecting, and the remoteness of the location.

1. Select a Location

Remember the old real estate adage: “Location, location, location.” At the same time, don’t obsess with this to the point that you never decide to do an action. Rest assured that your group can make a big splash at any crossing.

Generate a list of spots

Sources include: (a) ideas from the group; (b) neighborhood councils and planning efforts; (c) traffic safety data showing a history of injuries or fatalities; (d) solicit the greater community for suggestions by posting e-mail messages to associated lists, or (e) respond to a community outraged by a pedestrian fatality.

Selection criteria

Choose a crossing with:

· Speed limit. A speed limit no higher than 35 mph.

· Sight lines. Adequate sight lines so that no participant is at risk (Drivers should be either have 1/5 mile visibility or be on local streets. Don’t conduct an action on a curve or at the crest of a steep hill.)

· Traffic volumes. Medium traffic volume. Fewer than one vehicle per minute passing makes the action not compelling enough. High levels of traffic increases the noise and unpleasantness of the action for the participants (and for the drivers, too).

· Street width. The street should be no wider than four lanes of traffic. Also know the width of the street curb-to-curb and the width of the striped lanes. You may need to be able to refer to the details about the street.

· One-way vs.Two-way. Either are fine.

· City, County, State Road. Make sure that the street is part of the jurisdiction that you’re trying to affect. Sometimes, a city street has a history of being a state route. This can muddle the waters in addressing problems on that route.

· Presence of on-street parking.

· Proximity to members and media. You need people to show up. Make it as easy as possible.

· Neighborhood support. You will need as much support as possible if materials changes are going to be a result of your action.

· Sidewalk congestion. If the sidewalks are very congested, your crossing action might cause problems for pedestrians. Consider whether you’ll be interfering with traffic. If you might be, then you may need a parade permit or street use permit from the city.

Selection process

It doesn’t really matter how much group process goes into this selection, as long as a few are enthusiastic about the location. The rest will be infectious, and, one action begets another.

2. Reach Out to Adjacent Residents & Businesses

You can often get significant support from the people who witness these crossings on a daily basis. Don’t hesitate to ask them in an open-ended way how they might be able to support your organization. You might be surprised at the things they offer (like hot coffee and restrooms!). It may be that a neighbor is friends with a TV Reporter. Open yourself to the possibilities—pedestrian organizing is part magic and serendipity.

· Neighborhood associations. Look up the community council or neighborhood association representing people in the vicinity. They may be able to also provide maps or documentation of pedestrian problems.

· Neighborhood schools. Many schools are concerned with safety. Most have crossing guard programs or Walk-to-school day contact people. Their voices are extremely compelling in the community.

· Fire Station. Fire fighters are stalwart safety advocates. Off-duty or on, they may be excellent partners. The local fire station may be able to share stories or experience regarding the problems upon which you are focusing.

3. Recruit Participants

Designated leader

There needs to be one person who people can contact for all issues related to the action. The story and representation needs to be straightforward and coordinated. That leader’s seriousness will be reflected in the passion and success of the participants.

Non-violence training

Strongly recommended. Contact whomever in your community can provide some non-violence training, or identify someone competent in your group who can educate the group about the importance and depth of non-violence. You need there to be no harsh words spoken and no aggression expressed during the action.

Quality, not quantity

Rather than attempting to be clog the streets, simply think of the most aware people you can bring out to the action. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and you are making a chain in this action.

Don’t overlook these reliable groups

· American Volksport Association (http://www.ava.org/) This very well organized group may have active members in your area.

· People involved in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) advocacy may be interested in your action.
–Check out your local Lighthouse for the Blind.
–Connect with other disability advocacy groups to connect with wheelchair users.

· The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) (www.aarp.org) is an excellent way to located concerned citizens. Crossing safety is of particular interest to us as we age.

· Environmental advocacy networks. A good simple action such as this can be very popular among environmental activists. Many environmental activists have solid experience with direct action and can serve as leaders in helping you have an orderly and civil action.

4. Choose a Day and Time

Weekday pros & cons

Pros: People are around; regular meeting day; Weekday news readership/viewership;

Cons: Work-day conflicts mean earlier than 5:30 difficult; Shorter action (probably limited to one hour); Gets dark early in greater latitudes;

Weekend pros & cons

Pros: Lots of time for a big event; Get the whole family involved (baby carriages and strollers are great!);

Cons: Conflicts with schedules; May be unaccustomed to gathering on the weekend; Weather is always worse on the weekend (just kidding);

5. Materials & Supplies

Brochure for your organization

Hand this out to every participant. Even if you don't feel like hyping your organization at the event, do this. It will help participants explain what your organization is to their friends afterwards. I don't recommend that you leaflet people with your brochure, as you don't want to confuse promoting your message with promoting your organization.

Postcard-size explanation

Communicate clearly by writing a concise description of (a) what a crossing action is, and (b) why you’re holding this particular action. Provide general information and detailed observations about what is wrong at this particular location. This saves your voice and provides your less-prepared participants a solid ability to represent the issues.

Sign Materials

· Sticks—from the hardware store

· White poster board or cardboard—from an office supplies store

· Staples

· Pens (big, thick tips for bold lines)

· Suggested messages (use this appendix, but the creativity of your group will likely improve on these suggestions)

· Optional: Decorating materials

Optional: Card table and chairs

It can help to have a staffed table handy to enable outreach and publicity. Additional materials can be placed on the table to educate passers-by or interest participants.

Optional: Your organization’s sign or banner

The name of your group is relevant and may get publicity from this event. Shout it out!

Optional: Bull Horn or Megaphone ($10-15/day at an equipment rentals store)

Traffic noise competes fiercely with your voice. With a large group, a bull horn will really help, as you are often trying to speak to people across the street, and it helps get your message into people's inside of cars. If you come up with simple messages, they can become chants that involve the whole group. You will have greater control over the group with the megaphone.

Optional: Orange Flags, Safety Vest

Feet First is using orange vinyl flags to help stop traffic before we step off the curb. These are made using a 2-foot long piece of 3/4" thick doweling with a 18" square sheet of orange vinyl affixed. A traffic safety vest can be rented at a rental store or purchased at a bicycle shop.

6. Research

Your state’s Crosswalk Law (see attachment)

Copy the sections of your state code relating to pedestrians onto one letter-sized page for easy distribution among the participants and for people who request them. (In many states, these can be copied from your State Government Web site.) Does your State’s traffic safety commission have handouts of the pedestrian crossing law? Washington State has a handy card with illustrations of the crossing law, but you may wish to get your group's name out there on your own production. Feet First has photo-copied a one-page hand-out for drivers titled "KNOW THE LAW!" This is a good way to engage with drivers (see attachment).

Recorded Injuries

Ask your State’s pedestrian coordinator for all documented cases of injury crashes involving pedestrians at this location and at other locations on this street.

Transportation Department Plans

Contact your transportation department to see if they have any scheduled work over the next two or three years at or near your selected or prospective locations.

City Ordinances and Permits

Contact your city or town’s mayor’s office to ensure that you don’t need a permit. In Seattle no permit is required, as long as people don’t block businesses or obstruct traffic in illegal ways. People cannot obstruct passing pedestrian traffic on sidewalks, if it forces pedestrians into the street. As a courtesy, you might contact the police department to explain what you intend to do. This can be an opportunity to persuade police to enforce crosswalk laws.

Contact Phone Numbers for relevant services

Here’s a list from Seattle. Someone at your transportation department may already have a “triage” list such as this one that is posted on Seattle Transportation’s Web site. All of these contact numbers are pertinent to pedestrians:

Adopt-A-Street - 684-7647

Arterial and Commercial Zone Traffic Concerns - 684-5106

Asphalt Pedestrian Walkways - 684-5377

Bridges and Roadway Structures - 684-8325

Bus-Related Inquiries - 553-3000

Channelization - 684-5116

Cleaning Public Street Areas and Cutting Back Overgrowth

Streets North of Ship Canal - 684-7508

Streets South of Ship Canal - 386-1218

Overgrowth on Private Property - 684-7899

Community Identification Signs - 233-0033

Crosswalks (Repainting) - 684-5116

Curb Ramps - 684-5377

Drainage Streets North of Ship Canal - 684-7506

Streets South of Ship Canal - 386-1230

Litter Receptacles - 386-1218

Local Improvement Districts - 684-7580

Neighborhood Cleanup - 684-0190

Painting & Repainting Pavement Markings - 684-5116 or 684-5512

Parking - 684-7623

Street Trees - 684-7649

Residential Parking Zones (RPZs) New RPZs - 684-5092

Existing RPZs - 684-5086

Residential Street Traffic Concerns - 684-7577

Sidewalks and Planting Strips - 684-5253

Speed Watch - 684-0815

Street Lights - 625-3000

Street Name Signs - 233-0033

Street Vacations - 684-7564

Traffic Circles - 684-0817

Traffic Signals - 684-5118

Traffic Signs - 684-5106

Tree Stewards - 684-5008

7. Setting Expectations

The most important aspect of the event is to have fun. There will likely be no physical changes or observable changes in driver behavior as the result of a single crossing action. This is one small step toward a more walkable community. Keep this in perspective and don’t make any promises about outcomes.

8. Press Advisory (see attachment)

Ask a local non-profit or advocacy organization for their media contacts. If there is a transportation-related organization, they may have the specific names of transportation reporters or editors interested in health, transportation, government, or community issues.

· Newspapers

· Television

· Radio

· Internet Information Sources

Crossing action event

A. Meeting

· Choose a Convenient Place Near the Site

· Set a thoughtful mood. Have some snacks and beverages available for people. Provide them with a sign-in sheet and a flyer.

· Having some helping tasks identified (e.g., Organizing pens and sign materials).

· Make Signs (Some people may have prepared their signs in advance).

B. Staging

Building esprit de corps is important. As you prepare for your crossing go over the expectation and procedures. Remind people what the expectations and plans are. Provide any review of non-violence guidelines and the laws that need to be obeyed. Don’t assume anything.

C. Focal Point

Have a person who is the focal point for media interviews and another who is the designated leader of the group during the action. (One person can’t do both fully.)

D. Handling the Media

Greet media members with a packet of information (it may be as simple as your contact information and a brochure). Remember to ask them for the airing time for any coverage. (Then record and clip the news coverage for your records.)

E. Scenario Planning (perhaps omit this section)

Be prepared for some of the following possible scenarios:

A) People want to join in with you.

B) A car honks at you.

C) One of your group members gets angry at the drivers.

F. Information for Onlookers and Drivers

This need not be a leafleting action, but for interested parties, have information at hand so they can get easily involved. Don’t obstruct traffic with conversations and demonstrate the utmost safety consciousness. Remember that the people in both the first car in the queue and the fourth car in the queue may be prospective members of your group. Be open to their interest and don’t piss them off.

 

It might help to designate a couple of people for whom providing this information is a responsibility. It may not be appropriate or desirable for some people to be an ambassador. Feet First has been providing a copy of the pedestrian crossing laws to drivers and participants, and this has been quite positive (see attachment).

G. Focal Point

Have a person who is the focal point for media interviews and another who is the designated leader of the group during the action. (One person can’t do both fully.)

 

Follow Through

! Send Thank You Messages

Thank any political representatives or city services that supported or participated in your action with formal notes (hand-written is fine!). E-mail your participants an note with any media coverage information or statistics to help them better understand the impact of their participation. Clearly communicate the next steps and how their efforts are leading to change.

! Tell People About It

Put out a newsletter, get photos and a brief write-up on a Web site. Record the various stories of the people who participated. Just ask them what they thought of it and how they liked doing it. Create something that people can point to and that you can all remember having been a part of. Post newspaper articles and news coverage and photos on the Web.

Notify the transportation department of your action and your continued interest in attention to this issue. One letter after an action counts much more than one before an action. You can ask participants for permission to list all of their names as supporters of the letter.

If you’re really ambitious, this would make a good lunch time talk for any group of people, from the Rotary luncheon to the local neighborhood council meeting.

! NOW Preach to the Choir

It is amazing how well crossing actions play to the crowd of pedestrian advocates. Your event will likely be remembered for a very long time. So, toot your own horn and let as many people from the advocacy and alternative transportation community as possible know about what you’ve done. This will have a big impact on how recognizable your organization is in the local community for years to come.

! Ask for Donations

The best way to get someone to give is to ask them for something else first. Everyone who contributed time, cookies, media attention, or even those who honked in support of you are excellent candidates for fundraising efforts.

Example MESSAGES For Signs

(thanks also to the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, Portland, OR)

Stop for me, it's the LAW STOP in the name of LAW

Give us a BRAKE SLOW DOWN

Thanks for stopping (name of org) Shoppers need to cross too

There's a CROSSWALK at every CORNER

Why did the pedestrians cross the road/to get to the other side

The Law: Drivers must STOP and YIELD to pedestrians in crosswalk

We're just WALKING OUR TALK -- it's our right!

Pedestrians have the RIGHT-OF-WAY in the crosswalk

Please don't kill me, I'm just trying to CROSS THE STREET

HEY! It only takes a few seconds to let me CROSS THE STREET -- Thanks!

Walking is good MEDICINE Follow the speed limit

Don't TREAD on me Be Careful!

CROSSWALKS are for PEDESTRIANS

FAST is not FRIENDLY Pedestrians are not targets

It won't HURT YOU to slow down but it might KILL ME if you don't

Remember (insert name here) SLOW, for People

Bad Intersection WATCH for WALKERS

Slow Down, You Move too Fast—you've got to make the moment last.

We don't want to cross you, just the street

PRESS ADVISORY

Residents and Pedestrian Advocates will Dramatize Two Unsafe Intersections

Tuesday April 2, 2002, 5:00 PM @ Roanoke Park

Feet First, the Puget Sound Pedestrian Advocacy organization, and residents of Seattle’s Eastlake and Roanoke neighborhoods will conduct a "Pedestrian Crossing Action" on Tuesday, April 2^nd, 2002 to highlight the need for safety improvements to the streets and sidewalks in these neighborhoods.

These neighborhoods have sought the city's help solving dangerous intersections for years, but to no avail. The event will focus on intersections at Roanoke Park and along Boylston Ave. E. Cars heading north on 10^th Ave East regularly miss the turn onto E. Roanoke St. and drive up over the sidewalk where pedestrians wait to cross. Vehicular traffic on Boylston Ave E regularly exceeds posted speed limits to the great peril of pedestrians, bicyclists, and local motorists leaving their driveways. Feet First is working to raise public and government awareness of the importance of pedestrian concerns in the Puget Sound region.

Residents of these neighborhoods will march along side Feet First members to:

· Encourage Seattle Transportation to respond to these unsafe conditions

· Educate drivers about State Law concerning marked and unmarked crosswalks

· Show how pedestrians and communities are uniting to solve transportation problems

This action comes less than two weeks after 36-year-old Susie Stephens was struck and killed crossing the street while consulting in St. Louis. Susie was a long-time pedestrian and bicycling advocate in Washington State. Chris Leman, board member of the Eastlake Community Council, said "I knew Susie Stephens and feel this effort to spotlight pedestrian safety concerns is a great way to memorialize her." In the year 2000, there were 77 pedestrian fatalities in Washington State alone.

A Crossing Action is an organized event in which a group of pedestrians crosses a street in marked and/or unmarked crosswalks in a legal fashion, so as to communicate messages to drivers, pedestrians, and other observers. Members of the organized group carry signs with educational and advocacy messages.

EVENT DETAILS

Meet at 5:00 PM at Roanoke Park -- at the intersection of 10^th Ave. E. and Roanoke.

Tuesday, April 2^nd, 2002, RAIN or SHINE

5:30 PM - First focus on Roanoke Park intersection

6:00 PM - Second focus on Boylston Ave. walking from Roanoke to E. Newton St.

Feet First Contact

Name, organizer Web site:

e-mail: abc@abc.com telephone: 123-4567 (home), 123-4567 (mobile)

Eastlake Neighborhood Contact

Name: (title) address:

e-mail: telephone:

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