Pedestrian Crossing Information

• Walk this way - obey pedestrian signals. Only cross when the "start crossing" symbol is on; you have the right to continue even if the signal begins to flash. However, it's illegal to enter a crosswalk when a steady "don't walk" or flashing red hand symbol is on.
• Always be aware of moving traffic.
• Don't get crosswise when there's a crosswalk within 50 feet. If you're that close to an intersection with a traffic signal, you must cross at the crosswalk. If you're not that close, yield to vehicles and cross using the most direct route possible.
• Where the sidewalk ends, or where there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
• On paths, walk right, pass left. And stay far right-remember, people on wheels may be approaching from behind.
• Make life easier for yourself. Use the GOBoulder Bike & Pedestrian Map (link) to find enhanced pedestrian crossings and grade-separated underpasses and overpasses (unless, of course, you enjoy the smell of exhaust).
• Everyone's not looking at you. At intersections, make sure motorists have seen you before you step off the curb. Don't assume they'll stop.
• Be bright! The more visible you are, the safer you'll be. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing, especially in stormy weather or at night. Carry a flashlight at night to see and be seen.
• Make eye contact with other users and wave thanks when you've entered to cross the road.
• Look for unusual obstacles that may trip you. Uneven sidewalks and debris can be hard to spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should a motorist stop to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk?

Motorists are expected to stop at or before the "Yield Line" with a sign stating "Yield Here to Pedestrians." If these signs and markings are not present, then the motorist should stop to yield prior to the crosswalk markings.

What rules are important for pedestrians and drivers to know about crossing in a crosswalk?

State law requires that pedestrians give vehicles the opportunity to stop before entering a crosswalk.

Drivers shall yield the right of way to pedestrians on a sidewalk or approaching or within a crosswalk.

NOTE: A bicyclist is afforded the same rights as a pedestrian in a crosswalk when the bicyclist enters the crosswalk at walking speed.

Are these rules different for
cyclists?

When using a crosswalk, cyclists are considered pedestrians and have the same rights and responsibilities, as long as they enter the crosswalk at a pedestrian speed (on or off their bikes). 

How can I find out more on the Colorado Statutes and local codes?

See Bicycle in Crosswalk Code, the code for Yield to Pedestrian Required and Operation of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles, Colorado Statute for answers to many typically asked questions.

Why does the City of Boulder use pedestrian-actuated flashing signs (flashing yellow crosswalk signs)?

Pedestrian-actuated flashing signs are used primarily on multi-lane roadways where one car may shield the view of a pedestrian from another car approaching in the neighboring lane. The flashing yellow lights advise drivers to slow down and prepare to stop for possible crosswalk users even if they can't see ahead of the cars in the neighboring lane.

Vehicles are always required to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk whether there are flashing signs or not. The flashing signs are intended to provide additional warning to drivers that a pedestrian is present.

Studies have shown that these enhancements substantially increase the compliance of vehicles yielding to pedestrians and enable pedestrians to cross more quickly.

Do I have to stop for the flashing yellow lights even if there is clearly no one in the crosswalk? (For example, the pedestrian has already crossed and the lights are still flashing.)

State law requires that you yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. It does not require that you stop for a flashing yellow sign. If there are no pedestrians that you would impede by proceeding, then you may proceed. The flashing yellow lights are just another way to catch motorists' attention to the possibility of a pedestrian.

Why are the flashing lights yellow and not red?

A flashing yellow light means "warning." A flashing red light means "stop your vehicle." Flashing yellow lights do not change or augment the state requirements. A flashing red light would change this by legally requiring motorists to stop, whether pedestrians were present or not.

In addition, it would not be appropriate to introduce a red light (and the legal requirement to stop at that red light) without any warning. That is why traffic signals have a short yellow light before the red light appears. If the city were to use red lights in this situation, it would require that there also be yellow warning lights prior to the red. Essentially, the device would become a traffic signal.

Is Boulder the only place that uses the flashing yellow crosswalk signs?

Flashing yellow lights have been used with pedestrian crossing signs in communities across the country. Communities using the same approach as Boulder (embedding the flashing lights in the sign itself) include Estes Park and Louisville. Other communities, like Lafayette and Broomfield, use flashing yellow lights on top of their pedestrian signs.

I experienced an "almost accident," "near miss" or "close call" with another motorist/cyclist/pedestrian. Is there someone I can report my close call to?

The city likes to track close calls to determine if more outreach is necessary in specific areas at certain types of pedestrian crosswalk treatments or for specific types of conflicts. Use the Close Call Report Form to share your "almost accident." If you actually had an accident where physical contact was made in one form or another, please report that to the police department. For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergencies, call 303-441-3333.

More Information

• Pedestrian Crossing Treatments
• Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Animal Traffic code
• (Boulder Revised Code, 1981, Title 7, Chapter 5)
• Colorado Bicycle Manual - State bicycle laws, safety tips, listing of bike maps, ride guides, suggested tour routes and clubs. Colorado Department of Transportation, Bicycle Program. Call 303-757-9982.
• Report a Maintenance Issue

Questions About Walking Around Boulder?

Need help planning your door-to-door bicycling or walking route? Have questions or comments about how to improve bicycling and walking in Boulder? Contact Marni Ratzel, the City of Boulder's bicycle/pedestrian coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 303-441-3266.

Last Updated on Monday, 19 November 2012 16:55