East Lyme installs orange flags at Niantic crosswalks to help pedestrians safely cross

The summer tourism season is kicking off, and shoreline communities are seeing increased traffic. One town in New London County is experimenting with a new way to make crossing the street safer for pedestrians and drivers.

East Lyme Public Works installed bright, large orange flags at two crosswalks in Niantic, known for having the busiest foot traffic in the downtown area.  One is on Main Street across from the ice cream store, and the other is on Pennsylvania Ave across from the Dairy Queen.

“You can’t miss a big flag,” said resident Matt Gully. “If you miss a big flag, that’s on you.”

Residents say that any safety measure is a good one.

“If you were walking without the flags, it could be dangerous. With the flags, you have a lot of visibility,” said Don Ghostlaw, from East Windsor.

Despite being in one of the busiest areas, with heavy foot traffic, there are no red lights or stop signs.

The public works department said the idea was inspired by two people who suggested it after seeing it in other communities.

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