Calgary to enhance crosswalks near schools with in-street sign installations

The City of Calgary is hoping drivers will see the signs and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, especially around schools.

Before the end of this school year, in-street school crosswalk signs will be installed around all schools that include Grade 6 or lower in Calgary.

The bright yellow signs signal to drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Under Alberta traffic laws, pedestrians have the right of way in a crosswalk unless a peace officer or device controlling traffic provides a different direction.

Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk can result in a $810 fine and four demerit points.

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During the 2020-21 academic year, the city partnered with the University of Calgary for a traffic safety pilot project near elementary schools, looking at how crosswalk signs affect driver speeds, and the number of pedestrians or cyclists who use the crossings.

“We wanted to see if these in-street school crosswalk signs would lower driver speeds and promote safer conditions for pedestrians, particularly during peak times when conflicts between pedestrians and vehicular traffic are more likely to occur,” traffic engineer Surendra Mishra said.

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Analysis of data on speed and volume of traffic showed the in-street crosswalk signs near 52 randomly-selected schools reduced vehicle speeds, especially in the mornings and afternoons. The city said it also made pedestrians feel safer.

“We started installing the signs in the summer of 2021 as part of a pilot project. Many schools have had them for a while, and for others, it might be their first time seeing the signs,” Mishra says.

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In a statement, the Calgary Board of Education said it often works with the city, Calgary police and the Alberta Motor Association to provide education and enforcement for school communities.

“We are pleased to have the additional reminder to motorists near schools with our youngest learners,” the CBE statement reads.

“We strongly urge everyone to follow the rules of the road, parking expectations and to use the crosswalks near our schools. Traffic safety is a shared responsibility.”