Salt Lake City is dedicated to improving travel on roadways and protecting public health, safety, and welfare. To this end, the city is committed to improving conditions for those who choose to travel by any and all modes.
Pedestrian Safety
Learn about the Adopt-A-Crosswalk program, HAWK signals, and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
More Walking Resources
Read more about walking and pedestrian safety from transportation agencies and advocates.
Neighborhood Byways
Neighborhood Byways create pleasant, safe, and convenient routes for people using active transportation.
Pedestrian Safety
Adopt-A-Crosswalk Program
The Adopt-a-Crosswalk program invites residents, businesses, and community groups to help improve pedestrian safety by maintaining bright orange crossing flags at marked crosswalks outside Salt Lake City’s Downtown Central Business District. The City installs flag holders and provides an initial set of flags at no cost, while sponsors agree to keep the stations stocked and replace flags as needed. It’s a simple, low-cost way to support safer streets and promote visibility for people walking in your neighborhood.
Pedestrian HAWK Signals
A HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) signal is a pedestrian-activated crossing light designed to improve safety at busy streets with high pedestrian traffic. Originally developed in Tucson in 2000, HAWK signals now appear nationwide and boast up to a 97% driver compliance rate.
How It Works
To drivers, a HAWK signal looks different than a standard traffic light—but to pedestrians, it functions like any button-activated crossing. When not activated, the signal remains dark. Once a pedestrian presses the button, the signal goes through a sequence:
- Flashing Yellow – Alerts drivers that someone intends to cross
- Solid Yellow – Advises drivers to prepare to stop
- Solid Red – Requires drivers to stop at the crosswalk
- Flashing Red – Drivers must stop, then may proceed if the crosswalk is clear
- Dark – The signal turns off until activated again
How to Use It
- Push the button and wait for the walk signal
- Confirm traffic has stopped before entering the crosswalk
- Cross safely when the walk symbol appears
- The flashing DON’T WALK with countdown means finish crossing—don’t begin crossing once it flashes
Download the Salt Lake City HAWK brochure.
View recent HAWK installations and crosswalk improvements.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
To improve safety at marked crosswalks without stop signs or traffic signals, Salt Lake City installs Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs). These pedestrian-activated lights use two rectangular LED indicators that flash in a rapid, alternating pattern when a pedestrian pushes the button. This high-intensity flashing alerts drivers that someone is entering the crosswalk, making pedestrians more visible and encouraging drivers to yield. RRFBs are used where signs and pavement markings alone may not provide enough visibility for safe crossings.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan
Salt Lake City’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan provides a guiding framework, recommendations, and policies for the development of pedestrian and bicycle facilities and improvements, along with education and enforcement programs. In keeping with the City’s Complete Streets ordinance, the plan addresses walking and bicycling as integral to the City’s transportation systems, while also recognizing the significant health, fitness, and recreational aspects. This plan was passed by the City Council in 2015, updating the previous plan from 2004. With support from the City’s citizen-based Bicycle Advisory Committee, the City has had a bicycle master plan dating back to the early 1990’s.
Read Executive Summary or view the Complete Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
Sidewalk Maintenance
Sidewalks provide a safe and level walkway and provide separation between motor vehicles and pedestrians. They also provide a safer place, as opposed to the street, for children to walk and play. Sidewalk maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, occupant, lessor, or agent. For more information about City programs and services related to sidewalk maintenance and repairs, visit the MyStreet page.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
Section 14.20.070 of the Salt Lake City Code requires that hail, snow, or sleet on the sidewalk abutting your property be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after such hail, snow, or sleet has ceased falling. For enforcement information contact Civil Enforcement at 801-535-7225. Learn more about snow removal in Salt Lake City on our snow removal webpage.
Landscape Encroachments
Section 14.20.010 of the Salt Lake City Code prohibits residents from allowing sidewalks adjacent to their premises to be obstructed. This includes allowing landscaping to grow into the sidewalk area such that it inhibits free passage of pedestrians. For enforcement information contact the Engineering Division at 801-535-7961 or Civil Enforcement at 801-535-7225.
More Walking Resources
FHWA Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety