Newton has added 21 new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) this year. Locations were selected to improve safety on routes to schools, village centers and public transit and factored in crash history.  Locations near Bigelow include Centre Street at Newtonville, Tremont Street at Hibbard, Waverly Ave at Lorna, and an existing RRFB on Waverly Ave at Arlington.

PLEASE let your student know to ALWAYS push the button to activate the yellow flashing lights and to WAIT until drivers stop before stepping out into the crosswalk.

Newton’s Department of Public Works has developed a multi-factor prioritization system to evaluate the dozens of RRFB requests that come in from residents and City Councilors concerned about safe pedestrian crossings. RRFBs allow people using a crosswalk to press a button which turns on solar-powered flashing yellow lights to help drivers see people in the crosswalks sooner, thereby making crossing streets safer.  The Bigelow PTO can pass requests along to the city based on your input – email us if you have suggestions or comments.

Visit http://newtonsaferoutes.org/rrfb for a list of the new RRFB locations.