South Bethany and Fenwick Island Implement "Grab the Flag" Initiative

Photo credit to: Coastal Point

Visitors and residents walking along Coastal Highway in South Bethany and Fenwick Island will notice a new safety feature at several crosswalks this summer: brightly colored pedestrian crossing flags.

The initiative is designed to make pedestrians more visible to motorists at unsignalized crosswalks, where crossing Route 1 can be particularly challenging during the busy beach season. The simple concept has been used successfully in other communities around the country and is now being adopted by both Delaware beach towns as part of broader efforts to improve pedestrian safety.

In Fenwick Island, red flags have been installed in bins on both sides of designated crosswalks. Pedestrians are encouraged to take a flag before entering the crosswalk, wave it to attract the attention of approaching drivers, and return it to the collection bin after reaching the opposite side. Town officials hope the additional visual cue will encourage motorists to yield and reduce the risk of accidents.

Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said the program complements ongoing enforcement efforts by the Fenwick Island Police Department, which continues to ticket speeding drivers, motorists making illegal U-turns, and those who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. The town has also announced plans for future infrastructure improvements, including flashing pedestrian beacons at unsignalized crossings as part of a sidewalk project currently anticipated for 2028.

South Bethany has also been evaluating pedestrian safety enhancements through its Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Committee. Earlier this year, the committee discussed progress on an Orange Flag Pilot Program and public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to "Grab the Flag" when crossing busy roadways.

The timing of these efforts comes as Delaware's Quiet Resorts continue to experience heavy seasonal traffic. Thousands of pedestrians cross Coastal Highway daily to access beaches, restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods, creating numerous interactions between vehicles and walkers. Town officials regularly remind visitors to use marked crosswalks, wait until traffic has stopped in both directions before crossing, avoid distractions such as cell phones, and remain alert even when they have the legal right of way.

While crosswalk flags are intended to increase visibility, they are only one part of a larger pedestrian safety strategy. Officials emphasize that Delaware law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, and pedestrians should never assume an approaching vehicle will stop simply because they are in a crosswalk. The flags serve as an added layer of visibility—not a substitute for caution.

As summer traffic reaches its peak, South Bethany and Fenwick Island hope the new crossing flags will encourage safer habits for both drivers and pedestrians, helping everyone enjoy a safer visit to Delaware's Quiet Resorts.