FAIRHOPE, Ala.—The yellow yield-to-pedestrian signs that appeared in Fairhope streets this summer may have started on the wrong foot, but a change in the crosswalk warnings has paved the way for acceptance by local motorists.

“I’ve had a few phone calls concerned about them, of course, because of their being out in the street,” Mayor Tim Kant said this week. “But I’ve had more positive comments, mainly because it’s bringing awareness to the crosswalks, and that state law requires you to yield to pedestrians there.”

The original signs had a red “stop” symbol at top, which had some drivers confused about what to do when pedestrians were not there, according to staff.

After numerous complaints, those signs were removed and replaced with ones that have a triangular “yield” symbol instead, to let motorists know they can drive through crosswalks without stopping when pedestrians are not there.

“Once we changed them to yield signs, it’s made all the difference in the world,” Public Works Director Jennifer Fidler said this week.

When the 11 crosswalk signs were erected this year, Fairhope became the first community in South Alabama to do so, according to Smart Coast, which worked with local Girl Scouts to develop the project.

The pedestrian sign program was launched by Fairhope Troop 8442, an initiative which earned each scout a silver award during a special ceremony this year, the second highest honor they can receive.

But the project may have greater significance for those students.

“During the process, the teens received an excellent civics lesson, learning how to identify a problem and follow the appropriate governmental channels to see their project completed,” said Cori Yonge, the group’s troop leader. “This was an experience that couldn’t be found in a textbook. Prior to this project, I’m not sure any of the girls had really given much thought to how local government runs.”

The Girl Scouts conducted audits of local streets, compiled a report based on their findings, suggested where crosswalk signs should go, and then presented their recommendations to the Fairhope City Council, which approved the project in February.

“Our troop decided to take on this project because we wanted to see our town become safer for walkers,” said Jackie Davidson, a cadette scout, a few days before the troop’s presentation to the council. “We want adults and children to feel safe when they walk the streets of our town. We want to make a difference.”

Prior to that presentation, the scouts met with city leaders to win support for the project, including Assistant Police Chief Terry Sanders and Councilwoman Debbie Quinn,

The students gained experience in public speaking, team building and other lifelong learning skills.

And they also learned that change doesn’t come easy.

“Like anything new, it is taking time for drivers to change their habits. But it is happening,” Yonge said. “Yes, we have heard negative comments, but the positive feedback to the troop has far outweighed the naysayers. It’s exciting to know that Fairhope is the first municipality in South Alabama to join cities all over the nation in promoting a safe, walkable community.”