Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)
Push, wait, then cross. Flashing yellow lights alert drivers so you can cross safely.
What is it?
A Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) is a set of bright yellow LED lights mounted on pedestrian crossing signs. When someone presses the button, the lights flash in a rapid pattern to alert approaching drivers that someone is crossing.
RRFBs are typically used at crosswalks on busy streets where people walking or biking need extra visibility.
How to Use It
- Press the button before entering the crosswalk.
- Wait for the flashing lights to activate.
- Cross when traffic has stopped or yielded.*
- Stay alert for turning or approaching vehicles.
*Wisconsin Statute §346.24 does not require pedestrians to wait for each lane of traffic to stop before entering the crosswalk. However, Vision Zero Madison strongly encourages safer pedestrian crossing behavior at multilane RRFB crossings by waiting for traffic to stop or yield.
Why It Matters
RRFBs dramatically increase how often drivers stop for people in crosswalks. The bright, irregular flashing pattern is designed to stand out — even to distracted drivers — making people walking and biking more visible and reducing the risk of crashes.
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Up to 98%
Driver Yielding
Studies found that RRFBs increased driver yielding at crosswalks from as low as 0–20% to as high as 98%.
Source: FHWA
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72–96%
Sustained Yielding
Longer-term follow-up at multiple RRFB sites shows drivers continue to yield at 72–96% even two years after installation, indicating lasting behavior change.
Source: FHWA
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Up to 47%
Reduction in Pedestrian Crashes
Crash modification research finds that RRFB installations are associated with about a 47% reduction in vehicle–pedestrian crashes at treated midblock crossings.
Source: FHWA
Where You’ll See It in Madison
RRFBs are installed at many unsignalized crosswalks, especially:
- Near schools and parks
- On wide or fast streets
- At trail crossings
- Where pedestrian demand is high
Look for the push-button and flashing yellow lights next to the crosswalk signs.
Tips for Drivers
- When the lights are flashing, stop for people in the crosswalk — they have the right of way.
- Be prepared to stop when approaching an RRFB, even if no one is in the street yet.
- Remember that these crossings are placed where people frequently need to cross.