Metro Transit bus on the square, cyclist in the foreground
Transportation
Christof Spieler, Director of Transportation

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)

Push, wait, cross. Flashing yellow lights alert drivers so you can cross safely.
 

Educational sign about rectangular rapid flashing beacons.

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

  1. Press the button before entering the crosswalk.
  2. Wait for the flashing lights to activate.
  3. Cross when traffic has stopped or yielded.
  4. Stay alert for turning or approaching vehicles.

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.

Statistics

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Bike and pedestrian crossing sign with RRFB and VZ educational sign underneath.
RRFB Crossing at Fish Hatchery and Cannonball Path

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.
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