Tampere trials visibility spinner to make Luhtaankatu crosswalk safer for children

The City of Tampere says it is trialling a hand-operated rotating visibility spinner at the Luhtaankatu crosswalk by Luhtaan daycare in Pappila to improve pedestrian visibility. User feedback will be collected in spring 2027.

The crosswalk sits close to bus stops and has long had visibility problems. The spinner, developed in Sweden and already used at stops and crossings there, is being trialled as a simple, low-cost fix. Pedestrians are asked to spin the device before stepping into the road. Its motion and reflective surface are intended to catch drivers' attention at night and to encourage children to pause.

Tampere traffic engineer Seppo Kaunisto said the spinner is not suitable for every location but can work near a daycare, adding that children are curious to spin it. Traffic specialists have shown Luhtaan daycare children how to use the device, and officials will decide whether to install spinners at other sites after reviewing the spring 2027 feedback.