On Nov. 15, the San Jose Department of Transportation modified the signage around the crosswalk between Le Boulanger and Willow Glen Books. Four "beacons," or poles bearing a solar-powered light that is activated when a pedestrian activates a press-button, flank the entrance to the crosswalk in both directions.

"[With the beacons], motorists have increased notice that a pedestrian may be crossing," department division manager Laura Wells said. She added that the new warning system is for motorists rather than pedestrians.

The changes, Wells said, are a part of the options the department is testing to increase pedestrian safety on Lincoln Avenue. After the beacons have been in place for a year, Wells said the department will be gauging the reactions of pedestrians and drivers traveling through the crosswalks. If the beacons receive a positive response, they will remain in place permanently, she said.

According to Wells, the beacons have been effective at other locations throughout San Jose. The beacons have also been placed at the intersection of Payne and Phelps avenues and in front of Westmont High School, which is part of the Campbell Union High School District.

According to Wells, funding for the traffic signs was secured at the request of District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager. And Yeager said traffic issues, particularly speeding on Lincoln Avenue, remain one of his top priorities.

"Traffic on Lincoln Avenue is very much a concern for people in Willow Glen," he said. "I get more emails and phone calls about traffic than any other issue. I learned over the years that it is impossible to get drivers to slow down on Lincoln Avenue. The city has to spend tremendous time and resources reminding drivers to go slower to protect people."

Yeager said he believes the beacons are an improvement over the other crosswalk sign that was installed over the summer between Willow Street and Meredith Avenue. That crosswalk safety feature also has to be pushed to activate the lights, but those lights flash on a pedestrian street-level sign.

"My hope is that [the beacons] will be a little more visible," he said. "The other signs might have been confusing, or drivers might not see them. They might have been overlooked. These lights might get their attention."

Yet local merchants said they hadn't noticed the change. And traffic on Lincoln Avenue continues to remain a major concern for downtown businesses.

Julie Gatti, who owns Village Castles, said she hears the piercing sound of screeching breaks frequently from her store.

"I think people try to stop," she said. "The problem is the second car coming. Pedestrians really have to watch out for that second car."

After the Willow Glen Resident drew her attention to the beacons, Gatti said she believed the new system could help increase pedestrian safety.

"I think it will help," she said. "But drivers have to be trained to watch the poles."

Willow Glen Books employee Margo Lawrance, who also noticed the modified crosswalk after the Resident pointed it out, said the beacons had the potential to notify motorists of pedestrians' presence.

"Anything that makes people aware is a positive step," she said.

Lawrance said traffic on Lincoln Avenue is "a huge safety issue."

"I've almost gotten nailed a few times," she said.

Lawrance also said she has heard numerous complaints from customers--and an occasional sigh of relief that they made it safely across the street.

Through the large storefront window that faces Lincoln Avenue, Lawrance said she frequently sees traffic violations and near-accidents. And even when her eyes are not on the street, she said her ears let her know when there is a traffic problem.

"At least once a day, I hear a major screeching sound coming from the street," she said. "People either aren't aware [of pedestrians], or they don't care," she said.

Rather than flashing lights at crosswalks, Lawrance said she would like to see Lincoln Avenue converted into a two-lane road. She believes reducing the street for four to two lanes would promote safety and pedestrian visibility.

But according to Willow Glen Neighborhood Association director at large Jim Spence-- who also serves on a traffic safety committee with Yeager, Wells and Willow Glen Business and Professional Association President Cathy Adkins--residents need time to acclimate to the new traffic measures before they can be effective.

"It's a matter of getting people to use them," he said. "We have to let people know that it's there. If we can get people aware, it should help them feel safer."

Spence said the beacons are an improvement over previous safety measures because the lights are more visible. He also said he was pleased the city put the beacons in all four directions of the crosswalk.

"It's a really good addition," he said. "I'm pleased with the work the city did."