“Wait for gap in traffic” pedestrian crossing sign

[Eloise Terry]

Does anyone have info about why there are signs at the new crosswalk+signal installation at the intersection of Deering and Longfellow? Pedestrians do not have to wait for “gaps in traffic” to exercise their right of way (as far as I know?). Why are these signs up and can they be changed for legally accurate signage?

Eloise Terry

she/her/hers

[Zack Barowitz]

I don’t know but I suspect the reason is that they don’t work so well (I.e.,  motorists blow through them), Especially on two Lane one-way streets Where one motorist stops, but the next lane doesn’t (I’ve had some very close calls). I think it’s called the double cross?

That’s my theory anyway  

Zack

207-838-6120

917-696-5649
ZacharyBarowitz.com

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[Gordon Platt]

In my 5 minutes of research, here is what I found; 

-The second line of this sign appears to be an update to the old RRFB signage, which was introduced in 2009. 

-Unfortunately, it does appear to be the new legal standard: 

        -Section 4 of the latest Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, published by the Federal Highway Authority (relevant section begins on page 94 of doc/736 of the entire book, this sign is mentioned on page 96/738) 

        - Page 383 of the Standard Highway Signs design book 

- A powerpoint pres. from Plano, TX on the most recent updates to the MUTCD, including this sign (found on page 26) 

From what I have gathered, it appears that this language is meant to distinguish that these are just advisory beacons, and do not "guarantee" safe passage or mandate cars to stop like the push-button crosswalks at signalized intersections. I agree that the language is still vague and can diminish a pedestrian's right-to-cross. Hopefully we continue to see RRFBs phased out in favor of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons, like we have on Congress and St. John Streets (separately)

Gordon

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Thanks, 

Gordon Platt

[John Brooking]

From a state statutory standpoint, Title 29-A §2056 has this to say:

5.  Pedestrian crossing.  A pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle when crossing a way:  
A. Other than within a marked crosswalk; or
B. With an available pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing.
6.  Pedestrian prohibitions.  A pedestrian may not:  
A. Cross between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control devices operate, except in a marked crosswalk;
B. Cross an intersection diagonally, unless authorized by official traffic-control devices; or 
C. Suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the operator to yield.

I guess my first question is whether the crosswalk is marked. If it is not, I'm not sure if the warning lights count as giving the pedestrian the right of way, but perhaps they do not. But I am not a lawyer.

John Brooking

Cyclist, Cycling Educator, Technologist

https://www.facebook.com/CyclingSavvy4ME/, http://cyclingsavvy.org

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[Scsmedia]

It is a marked crosswalk.  They never put crossing lights at unmarked crosswalks.  Notwithstanding the signage, you are free to begin crossing after pressing the light.

As a matter of course, I step out onto the street to signal that I intend to cross whether you intend to stop is up to you.  I make it clear that my right to cross supersedes your desire to speed through.  If those of us who are fit enough to get out of the way of those who don't stop, we will educate the public that the flashing light means they need to stop look for pedestrians wanting to cross.

The language on the sign has no basis in Maine law.

Steven Scharf

207-415-4662

SCSM...@aol.com

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[Zack Barowitz]

Steven had good advice with these which is to: press the button, wait until both lanes stop, and then cross. (Just make sure that there isn’t someone barreling in on the far lane.)

Zack 

207-838-6120

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[Rosemarie De Angelis]

Actually, Zach, I read Steven’s message quite differently. He never said “wait until both lanes stop.” 

He said “I step out onto the street to signal that I intend to cross whether you intend to stop is up to you.  I make it clear that my right to cross supersedes your desire to speed through.  If those of us who are fit enough to get out of the way of those who don't stop, we will educate the public that the flashing light means they need to stop look for pedestrians wanting to cross.”

That’s VERY different from your message.

I am not sure I am fit enough but I tend to practice Steven’s model.

Rosemarie De Angelis

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 28, 2025, at 7:15 PM, Zack Barowitz <zbar...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Eloise Terry]

Thanks for digging into this, everyone. 

I feel (perhaps too) comfortable asserting my right-of-way as a pedestrian - my bigger concern is the risk this inaccurate signage poses to children, less confident pedestrians, and others. Especially since it is in front of a school, on a freshly repaved road, where drivers often speed and ignore school zone limits.

Given what you all found, it’s clear the “wait for a gap in traffic” sign doesn’t align with Maine law, not to mention that it puts the burden on pedestrians instead of drivers. That kind of messaging feels especially risky in a school zone, and it could create confusion about who actually has the right-of-way.

I’ll file a ClickFixIt ticket to ask for replaced signage that that better reflects the law and supports pedestrian safety.

Eloise Terry

she/her/hers

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[Zack Barowitz]

@Rosema I should have clarified, Steven said this in another discussion thread a couple of months ago. I found it a decent compromise. 

Zack

207-838-6120

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[Myles G. Smith]

Kudos to you, Eloise. This sign does not reflect Maine law and is misleading as to who has the right of way when a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk. 

This is about 4 blocks from my house too, and I am nervous about my kids crossing Deering to get to that playground at the Levy school.

Thank you for doing this.

Myles Smith

On Mon, Sep 29, 2025 at 4:25 PM Eloise Terry <eloise...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Rosemarie De Angelis]

Oops! My apologies… either way, I think it’s all good stuff. I am just stunned by how fast people drive and I don’t have all the answers for sure. Just fighting the good fight.

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 29, 2025, at 7:43 PM, Zack Barowitz <zbar...@gmail.com> wrote:



<IMG_6412.jpeg>

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[Rosemarie De Angelis]

Great idea

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 29, 2025, at 4:25 PM, Eloise Terry <eloise...@gmail.com> wrote:



Eloise Terry

she/her/hers

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[Zack Barowitz]

No worries!  I’m just sensitive to this because I had an extremely close call where I had to jump back from a second care. But I agree that the sign Is absurd.

Zack 

207-838-6120

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[Eloise Terry]

I just filed a ticket, feel free to follow along here: 

Traffic Signal

https://seeclickfix.com/issues/20118336. I chose the Traffic Signal category as these beacons are for “traffic” (cars).

Eloise Terry

she/her/hers

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