Reliable Performance in Every Season
Engineered for Canada’s toughest climates, JSF RRFB systems deliver dependable performance year-round. Designed to operate in temperatures as low as –40°C, each system maintains full functionality through snow, ice, and long periods of limited sunlight.
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Our hybrid solar-electric power design ensures continuous operation when solar energy is low, while real-time monitoring gives city staff instant insight into system health and maintenance needs.
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These innovations combine to create a resilient, low-maintenance crosswalk solution that keeps pedestrians safe and traffic flowing smoothly in every season.
Enhancing Pedestrian Safety in Edmonton with RRFB Crosswalk Systems
Prepared on Behalf of JSF Technologies
Edmonton, Canada
Project Summary
Since 2018, the City of Edmonton has implemented a broad range of safety initiatives aimed at reducing pedestrian injuries and fatalities. A cornerstone of this effort has been the deployment of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at high-risk crosswalks. JSF Technologies is proud to have supported this transformation by designing and delivering robust RRFB systems customized for Edmonton’s extreme weather and infrastructure needs. This report provides a detailed overview of the City's pedestrian safety strategy, the role of JSF Technologies, and the measured impact of RRFB systems.
Project Background: Vision Zero & Safe Mobility
In 2015, Edmonton became the first Canadian city to adopt Vision Zero, a long-term strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The City later developed the Safe Mobility Strategy (2021–2025) to implement tactical programs such as the Safe Crossings Program, which targets pedestrian safety through infrastructure upgrades.
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Key achievements from Vision Zero (source: City of Edmonton Vision Zero Reports):
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50% reduction in traffic fatalities (2015–2021)
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32% reduction in serious injuries over the same period
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The Need for RRFB Systems
By 2018, Edmonton had identified a need for reliable, high-visibility pedestrian crossing systems that could function year-round, even in sub-zero conditions. After extensive field testing of several manufacturers' systems, JSF Technologies' Solar Powered and Solar-Hybrid RRFB solutions emerged as the only products capable of consistent, uninterrupted operation through Edmonton’s harsh winters.
JSF Technologies: Custom Solutions for Urban Safety
System Features
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Solar and Solar-Hybrid power options
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Integration with existing street lighting infrastructure
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Modem-based monitoring platform with wireless access to:
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System health
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Activation counts
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Remote scheduling and diagnostics
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Engineering Collaboration
In 2018, JSF Technologies worked directly with the City of Edmonton to:
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Customize RRFB systems to meet unique power and data requirements
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Adapt hardware for hybrid solar-electric integration
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Ensure system resilience in snow, ice, and freezing rain conditions
JSF Technologies Product Capabilities
JSF's RRFB systems include the following:
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AB Series (Activated Beacon)
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Dual-sided, high-intensity LED flashers
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Configurable flash patterns
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Wireless activation and reporting
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ACMS (Asset Control and Monitoring System)
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Real-time alerts and analytics
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GPS asset tracking
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Remote schedule updates
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LumiWalk - Overhead Crosswalk Lighting
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Enhanced visibility
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Accessibility for people with disabilities
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Compliance with traffic laws
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These features allow the City to manage hundreds of active RRFB systems efficiently, reducing maintenance costs and improving responsiveness.
Challenges Addressed
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Extreme Climate: JSF systems have proven resilient in temperatures as low as -40°C.
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Power Reliability: Hybrid configurations ensure continuous uptime during low-sunlight winter months.
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Monitoring Needs: Built-in modem and diagnostics provide real-time operational oversight.
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Measured Results
While attributing safety outcomes to a single intervention is challenging, Edmonton has reported substantial reductions in pedestrian harm since the rollout of RRFBs and related Vision Zero measures:
Metric
Value
Source
Traffic fatalities (2015–2021)
−50%
City of Edmonton Vision Zero Report 2021
Serious injuries (2015–2021)
−32%
City of Edmonton Vision Zero Report 2021
Initial RRFB installations
80 (2019)
Internal delivery record, JSF Technologies
Estimated total RRFB systems
300+ (as of 2025)
JSF Technologies + City of Edmonton Safe Crossings
Conclusion & Ongoing Commitment
JSF Technologies is honored to have played a pivotal role in advancing pedestrian safety in Edmonton. Our collaboration with the City has demonstrated the effectiveness of high-performance RRFB systems in reducing pedestrian risk across urban environments. We remain committed to supporting Edmonton’s Vision Zero goals and expanding these benefits to other municipalities across Canada.
Sources
City of Edmonton Vision Zero Annual Reports (2018, 2021)
Safe Mobility Strategy (2021–2025)