A Surface Mount Channelizer (40) for absorbing impacts to a marker or sign used for demarking traffic lanes provides means for replacing a flexible shaft without detaching a mounting base from a lane surface. The apparatus comprises an upright marker (10) connected to a mounting base (18, 24), wherein the apparatus has means for providing free movement of marker (10) in any direction relative to mounting base (18, 24). The means for providing free movement comprises a flexible hinge (22), connecting marker (10) to mounting base (18, 24). Marker (10) is preferably comprised of a flexible material, and in combination with flexible hinge (22) is capable of a range of motion from upright to parallel with the ground 360° around said mounting base.