Pedestrians First – Taipei Lights Up - HowToTrip

To advance the "Yield to Pedestrians" initiative, the Taipei City Government has established the Xinyi Planning District as a pedestrian safety model area, testing "Pedestrian Safety Reflective Facilities." These comprise "Caution: Children" fluorescent signs, "Pedestrians First" fluorescent signs, "Bus Rear Body Reflective Markers," "Pedestrian Barrier Reflective Markers," and "Crosswalk Reflective Lines." The goal is to use reflective installations to emphasize that pedestrians in Taipei deserve even safer road spaces.

Taipei City Government’s push for a pedestrian-friendly demonstration zone in Xinyi District has received support from 3M Taiwan, a U.S.-based company, which sponsored various reflective facilities.

To enhance the visibility of pedestrian safety measures, 3M Taiwan also took action by donating multiple high-reflectivity facilities. They selected 150 buses operating within the Xinyi Planning District to affix reflective markers on their rear bodies, reminding drivers to maintain a safe distance from buses. Additionally, on pedestrian-bicycle shared pathways around the Taipei City Hall, 21 "Pedestrians First" fluorescent signs were installed to remind cyclists to yield to pedestrians on shared roads. Around Xinyi and Bo’ai Elementary Schools, 8 "Caution: Children" fluorescent signs were set up to alert drivers to slow down and stay vigilant when approaching schools.

Furthermore, reflective markers were applied to 176 curb ramps on busier pedestrian walkways in the Xinyi Planning District and around the Taipei World Trade Center exhibition halls. This improves nighttime pedestrian safety and encourages drivers to keep safe distances when turning. At five high-foot-traffic intersections in the area, reflective lines were added to both sides of crosswalks to boost reflectivity in rainy conditions and remind drivers to reduce speed at night when approaching crosswalks.

Secretary-General Yang, Director Luo of the Transportation Bureau, 3M General Manager Zhao, distinguished guests, preschool children, and the "Little Red Man" and "Little Green Man" happily showcase the new fluorescent signs. (Photo provided by Taipei City Government)

Additionally, 3M Taiwan donated 3,300 reflective vests for use by traffic volunteers, school patrol volunteers, and security personnel around parking lots in the Xinyi Planning District, increasing the visibility of traffic assistants during duty to ensure their safety.