From the City of Reno:
Reno, Nevada (August 18, 2025) — The City of Reno, the Reno Police Department, and the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County are pleased to announce a new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) project located on West 7th St., east of McCarran Blvd.
A PHB is a traffic control device used to improve pedestrian safety when crossing higher-speed roads at midblock locations and intersections without stop signs or signals. When activated, it displays a sequence of flashing yellow, solid yellow, and solid red lights to prompt drivers to slow down and stop, allowing pedestrians to cross safely before the signal returns to dark until reactivated.
This location was identified as high-risk due to a combination of heavy vehicle traffic, high speeds, and a lane merge that creates challenging conditions for pedestrians. The corridor sees more than 50 pedestrian crossings per day, about a quarter of which are made by individuals using wheelchairs, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
This new beacon will increase pedestrian visibility and help control traffic, as it works in coordination with a nearby traffic signal to reduce potential conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. This upgrade will also enhance pedestrian connectivity for residents of a nearby senior living facility with over 200 units, as well as users of nearby RTC bus stops, making it easier for the public to access restaurants, groceries, medical services, and other amenities.
“The installation of these beacons is another step forward in protecting our community and ensuring everyone feels safe as they travel around Reno,” said Ward 5 Councilmember and RTC Vice Chair Devon Reese. “I want to extend a sincere thank you to our outstanding Public Works team and our partners at RTC, as this kind of collaboration makes our area a safer place for all of us.”
This new PHB is now the second in the City of Reno, with the first one installed back in September 2024 on East 2nd Street between Pringle Way and Kirman Avenue. To help gauge public awareness of PHBs, the City has launched a community survey available at this website.
How to use Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHB):
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For Pedestrians:
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Treat the PHB like a regular traffic signal.
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Push the button and wait for the crossing signal.
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If the “Don’t Walk” signal is on, wait until the “Walk” signal lights up before proceeding.
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As with crossing any street, always look both ways before crossing to ensure it’s safe.
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For Drivers:
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If the signal is dark, you may proceed as normal.
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If the signal is flashing yellow, proceed with caution – a pedestrian has activated the beacon.
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If the signal is solid yellow, prepare to stop.
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If the signal shows solid red, treat it like a red light and stop.
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If the signal is flashing red, stop, and then proceed when the crosswalk is clear.
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Residents may see more PHBs installed throughout the City in a continued effort to increase safety. To learn more about PHBs and how they work, visit the RTC’s Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons webpage.
