I don't think giving pedestrians flags is a good idea.  A lot of drivers will just ignore or not see someone flagging, particularly if they are speeding or paying attention to other things on the roadway or sides of the roadway.  The clads are apparently not recognized traffic control measures and a lot of people will not know what to make of the elderly people waving flags like fools.  The City and State should provide more traffic lights.  The only reason we don't is because we treat all our roadways as rush hour freeways.  No left turns everywhere.  Pedestrian buttons which are designed not too function no matter how many times you press them. Much better to walk to the nearest intersection with a traffic light.  Even then there is no guarantee a vehicle wouldn't run you over.