MEMPHIS, TN - Flashing yellow and red lights are confusing Memphis drivers along the Shelby Farms Greenline.
The flashing lights are supposed to make it safer for joggers and cyclists to cross busy intersections, but it’s having the opposite affect on traffic.
The city of Memphis installed new innovative signals called "Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons” along the Greenline. The one on Highland has been there for about 2 weeks.
"A lot of these cars don't like to stop," says Shelby Farms Park Ranger Greg Mortimer. "If they see one person crossing the intersection, or a bunch of people, the drivers try to hurry up and get across first. I've seen cars skidding to a stop, not paying attention to the light."
The city posted a YouTube video to help everyone understand how the lights are supposed to work.
"There are plenty of idiot drivers out here so I’m not surprised they don’t stop," says motorist Bo Faulkner. "I know I stop when it's red. It's not red often but people do need to press the button to cross safely."
Once the pedestrian crosses the street, the red light flashes, signaling drivers to proceed carefully. But Greenline users feel it's still not safe.
"They'll be on the phone," cyclist Houston Murrell tells abc24.com. "They're not paying attention, or they're really not looking to see what they're doing."
Whether it's slowing down or stopping, it'll take time and maybe a few accidents until everyone gets used to the new signals.
If you have any suggestions or questions about the new lights, or you want to see the instructional video we've posted a link. Click on "Find It" on the abc24.com homepage.
