(New Paltz, NY - March 14, 2008) The New Paltz Bicycle Pedestrian Committee announced today that the ribbon-cutting for the first New Paltz intersection with pedestrian flags has been set for 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2008.

Local officials, members of the Bike-Ped Committee and interested New Paltz citizens will meet at the marked intersection of the Rail Trail at Main Street (Route 299) and parade across the street to "raise the flag" on behalf of pedestrians.

Musical accompaniment will be provided by bagpiper Eben Yonnetti, a senior at New Paltz High School.

The Rail Trail crossing has been selected because of the low-visibility to cars that it offers. In addition, the Village was able to approve this intersection for the pilot program because other stretches of Main Street would require approvals from the New York State Department of Transportation.

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Association has generously agreed to subsidize the start-up costs. Additional financial support comes from Water Street Market. Karma Road Organic Vegetarian Deli will maintain the flags.

PedFlag programs, which have been successful in communities throughout the country, provide canisters of hand-held, high-visibility flags at key intersections. Pedestrians use the flags to signal their intent to cross, claim their right of way, and make themselves more visible to motorists. The flags are then left in the canister on the other side of the street.

New York State law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians who enter marked crosswalks, but drivers don't always see pedestrians in time. The flags increase pedestrian visibility and clearly signal their intent to cross.

The PedFlag program is looking for businesses, community organizations or individuals who are willing to sponsor or maintain canisters. Sponsors would help defray canister and flag costs. In addition, businesses, community organizations or individuals near intersections with PedFlags will be needed to replace flags as needed. Both levels of support will be recognized on the canisters.

PedFlags New Paltz is a project of the New Paltz Bicycle-Pedestrian Committee (BPC), which seeks to encourage walking and bicycling in the town and village. The project is being coordinated by BPC members Eric Kollenberg and William Weinstein. For more information or to become a sponsor, call William Weinstein at 845-255-2070.