Reflective pedestrian gear stashed at 17th Avenue intersection

If you see a reflective sash hanging off a lamp post on 17th Avenue and Fourth Street S.W., it's intended to be used to increase pedestrian visibility and not to be worn as an accessory to the Ship and Anchor pub.

• Reflective fashion could reduce vehicle-pedestrian collisions, driving expert says

Chip Scialfa placed the reflective strips at the intersection on Monday in the hopes that Calgarians will grab them on their way across the street, then hang them back up on the other side for other pedestrians — not to take them out for a night on the town.

"In fact, some of these have already been removed and not replaced from their city locations," he said of the reflective gear, adding that he hopes people will leave them where they belong.

He said the items can noticeably increase visibility, and therefore safety, for pedestrians. 

"The problem is that a lot of times, people at night simply can't be seen," he said.

"Simply put, even a vigilant driver cannot see a darkly clothed pedestrian until it's too late to stop."

Vancouver origin

It's part of a project that started in Vancouver when Sydney Shepard, the creator of SHINE by Illuminate Designs, stowed several sashes at seven busy intersections.

Scialfa said he hopes the sashes are put to good use as the nights get longer. 

"This time of year, when we change over to daylight savings time is the most dangerous time of the year. There's a huge spike in pedestrian injuries and fatalities," he said.

In terms of putting the onus on pedestrians to wear reflectors, when it's the cars that are hitting them?

"Everyone has to be involved in increasing safety for everyone that's using the road," he said.