Today the Reno City Council accepted a Vulnerable Road User Traffic Safety Grant from the State of Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. The $100,000 grant will fund the purchase and installation of 10 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) systems to improve safety at high-traffic pedestrian crossings.
The RRFBs will be strategically installed across all six wards at locations identified through a data-driven review of conflict potential, exposure and sight-distance & visibility. These active warning devices have been proven to significantly increase driver yielding rates and enhance pedestrian visibility, particularly at unsignalized and midblock crossings.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and this grant allows us to take meaningful, measurable steps to protect the most vulnerable people on our roads,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “By installing these RRFBs citywide, we are improving walkability, responding to community concerns, and making our neighborhoods safer for everyone who lives, works, and travels in Reno.”
The grant is supported by a 25% City match from the FY26 Street Fund, ensuring timely implementation. Installation of the new RRFB systems is anticipated to be complete by Spring 2026.
The grant acceptance follows a June 2025 statewide call for projects supporting the safety of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and micromobility users. In response to ongoing concerns about unsafe pedestrian crossings, particularly at high-volume locations lacking active warning devices, the City submitted a proposal prioritizing RRFB installations based on safety need. The City was awarded the full $100,000 request.
Studies from the Federal Highway Administration show that RRFBs can reduce pedestrian crashes by up to 47% and increase driver yielding rates to as high as 98%, making them one of the most effective tools available for improving pedestrian safety at uncontrolled crossings.
The performance period for the grant runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Council approval enables the City to meet project deadlines and fully utilize the awarded funds.
This project supports the City of Reno’s broader commitment to building a safer, more walkable community and addressing community-identified safety challenges through evidence-based solutions.
