PETITION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SIGNALED CROSSWALKS WITH CAUTION LIGHTS AND SAFETY SIGNAGE WITHIN CITY LIMITS

To: Bend City Council / Deschutes County Board / Oregon Department of Transportation]
From: Concerned Residents, Families, and Pedestrians of Bend, Or. in Deschutes county 
Date: 12/4/25

We, the undersigned residents of Bend, Oregon in Deschutes county, respectfully petition our local government to take immediate action to improve pedestrian safety by installing signaled crosswalks equipped with caution lights, flashing beacons, and clear safety signage at key locations throughout the city limits.

In recent years, our community has seen a significant increase in the construction of roundabouts in place of traditional signal-controlled intersections. While roundabouts may improve vehicle flow, they often reduce the predictability and visibility necessary to keep pedestrians safe. Unlike lighted intersections, roundabouts typically provide fewer controlled stopping points for drivers, creating added risk for:

Children walking to and from school, parks, and community spaces
Individuals with disabilities, including those using mobility aids or who require additional time to cross
Seniors, who may need clearer signals or slower traffic to cross safely
Pedestrians at large, including cyclists and transit users who rely on safe, accessible crossings
Multiple studies and firsthand accounts from residents indicate that drivers entering or circulating through roundabouts frequently fail to yield to pedestrians, especially in areas without marked or signaled crosswalks. The absence of visible, standardized crossing signals increases the likelihood of accidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions—particularly during high-traffic hours, at night, or in adverse weather.

We therefore request that the City and County:

Install signaled pedestrian crosswalks—including Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), pedestrian-activated lights, or comparable systems—at high-traffic roundabout approaches and other critical crossing points.
Add clear, high-visibility signage alerting drivers to upcoming crosswalks and pedestrian activity.
Conduct safety assessments to identify locations where crossings are currently unmarked or insufficiently protected.
Prioritize accessibility, ensuring all new installations comply with ADA standards and support those with mobility, visual, or cognitive impairments.
Allocate funding and resources to complete these improvements in a timely manner.
By implementing these measures, the City and County will significantly enhance community safety, protect vulnerable populations, and promote walkability, accessibility, and quality of life for residents and visitors.

We urge our local officials to act swiftly to prevent future accidents and ensure safe passage for all who travel on foot.

Sincerely, 

Jason Lovejoy