January 28, 2010

With the tragic events involving our City’s pedestrians, I thought you might want to know a little more about what our City is doing to make our streets more pedestrian friendly.  While there is much more work to be done to make our roads safe for all users, sometimes it is extremely unfortunate events that make us look at city policy initiatives from a new perspective.

As a member of the Pedestrian Committee, I know that the City strives to base new policy initiatives on the facts. Our Transportation Services’ Traffic Safety Unit monitors collision data and analyzes it quarterly.  Careful attention is paid to whether the road environment is a factor and what improvements might be needed. 

In the past few years, the City has made some significant improvements in enhancing pedestrian safety.  Currently, 95% of our City intersections now have pedestrian countdown signals installed, providing information about the available time left to cross an intersection.  The City is also giving pedestrians more time to get across the street, and as roads are reconstructed, using the much wider and more visible zebra crossing pavement markings.  

There are also interesting initiatives coming up such as our pedestrian-only street pilot project, in the streets surrounding Ryerson and the University of Toronto.   The City is also looking at creating additional pedestrian scramble intersections as well as exploring the use of no right-hand turns on red lights at strategic intersections.

Despite these efforts, we, as pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, must constantly remain aware of each other to protect our personal safety and that of those around us.  Travel safe.

Safety Tips for Drivers, Pedestrians and Cyclists

For Pedestrians:

• Be predictable. Do not make decisions that place you in the path of oncoming traffic.
• Cross at traffic signals, crosswalks and stop signs on busy roads.
• Look all ways before crossing. Never cross unless it is safe to do so.
• Walk, don’t run, across intersections. Only cross when you have enough time to make it to the other side.
• At pedestrian crossovers push the button to activate the flashing yellow light and point to indicate your intention to cross.
• Try to make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb.  Just because you see the car, doesn’t mean the driver sees you.
• Wait for vehicles to stop before crossing in front of them. Cars take longer than you think to stop.
• Keep aware of traffic until you safely reach the other side. 
• Dress accordingly to weather and light conditions.  Wearing dark clothing at night makes it harder for motorists to see you.

For Cyclists:
• Bicycles are defined asvvehicles under the Highway Traffic Act, and the Rules of the Road apply to all vehicles.
• At night, lights and reflectors are required, and are critical in making you more visible to drivers.
• A properly fitted helmet can protect you in a fall. Cyclists under 18 must wear a helmet.
• Ride in a straight line well out from parked cars to avoid a suddenly opened door.
• Never pass on the right as you approach an intersection, especially if the vehicle ahead is turning right.
• Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Cycling on the sidewalk threatens pedestrians, and increases your risk of collision with a motor vehicle at intersections, lanes and driveways.

For Motorists:
• Keep your eyes on the road, and both hands on the wheel.
• Don’t be distracted by talking to passengers, eating, drinking, or using your cellular phone.
• Look out for the driver who isn’t looking out.
• Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk or pedestrian crossover.
• Never pass a stopped car when approaching a marked pedestrian crossover.  The driver ahead may be stopped for a person crossing the roadway.
• Always look for cyclists before opening your car door into traffic.
• Do not tailgate. Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, so that you will have plenty of distance to stop.
• Signal your intentions early enough to give others time to prepare for your next move.