In an effort to curb the dangers facing pedestrians on their streets, the Reno City Council has announced the acceptance of a $100,000 Vulnerable Road User Traffic Safety Grant. According to a statement obtained by the City of Reno's official website, this substantial sum is earmarked for enhancing pedestrian safety through the installation of 10 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) systems, slated to be in place by Spring 2026 across all six wards of the city.
The choice of locations for these RRFBs is not left to chance, but rather determined through a review process that takes a data-driven approach, considering aspects such as conflict potential and visibility issues. According to the City of Reno's official website, Mayor Hillary Schieve emphasized the city's dedication to safety, stating, "Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this grant allows us to take meaningful, measurable steps to protect the most vulnerable people on our roads." It's a move envisioned to make neighborhoods safer and improve the overall walkability of the city.
The grant requires a 25% match from the city's FY26 Street Fund, which signals the council's commitment to the timely implementation of the safety measures. With an evidence-based approach, the council is responding to a statewide call to action from June 2025, which sought projects to enhance the safety of vulnerable road users. Federal studies have supported that RRFBs can cut pedestrian-related accidents substantially and almost universally boost driver yielding rates.
Reno's strategy aligns with a broader vision for creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment and tackling safety hurdles head-on using proven measures. The Federal Highway Administration's findings on RRFB efficacy, suggesting a 47% decrease in pedestrian crashes and a 98% increase in driver yielding rates, offer a data-backed rationale for the city's investment in these systems. The project supports the city’s commitment to building safer spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Funded through the State of Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, the project's performance period is set from October 1, until September 30, 2026. This schedule allows plenty of time for the proper execution of the installations, ensuring that all RRFBs are operational as anticipated.
