WATCH ABOVE: The city is changing the way it reviews crosswalks, focusing on risk instead of how many people are using them. Kendra Slugoski reports.
EDMONTON – The City of Edmonton is changing the way it reviews crosswalks and it could mean more flashing lights will be installed.
The city used to count the number of pedestrians using a crosswalk before adding a flashing light. But now, risk will be the top consideration.
Traffic speed, the number of vehicles and the number of lanes people have to cross are all factors that will be considered. The city says there are currently 200 crossings under review.
“We want to see how many pedestrians are using those spots today and how many of those might need lights more than just the markings and signs,” said Craig Walbaum with the City of Edmonton’s Transportation Services Department.
READ MORE: City looking at increasing pedestrian safety in Edmonton
While a list of the most dangerous crossings won’t be revealed until next year, the city is making some changes this summer.
Flashing lights will be installed at several intersections along Jasper Avenue: at 113 Street, 115 Street, 119 Street and 120 Street.
“It would be a red, amber, green light that pedestrians could push the button to change to red before they start crossing,” said Walbaum.
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The change in process is welcome news to postal worker Ted Chambers. Eighteen months ago, he and his colleague Devinder Sunner were struck while walking in a marked crosswalk at 149 Street and 121 A Avenue.
“I was hit by a car. That car was going 60 kilometres an hour. I was unconscious for 14 days, in hospital for two months and off work for six months,” said Chambers.
“I’m lucky I’m alive today,” Sunner added.
READ MORE: 55% of pedestrians will die if struck at 50km/h: stats
The pair pushed to have lights installed at the intersection, but the city said no because not enough pedestrians used the crossing. Walbaum and Sunner hope changes will be on the way.
“I hope somebody won’t get killed before they change this thing,” said Sunner.
Right now the city budget only covers about 10 projects per year.
With files from Kendra Slugoski, Global News.
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