At least one resident in Port Coquitlam took matters into their own hands recently to try and improve road safety.
He is trying to get drivers to slow down at the intersection of Cedar Drive and Lombardy Drive (north) so he spray painted his own crosswalk. That area is known for speeding and was also the scene of a fatal motorcycle crash in July.
But his efforts are not going to last.
A spokesperson for the City of Port Coquitlam said there is already an existing crosswalk at the next intersection of Lombardy (south)/Pinemont and Cedar Drive. Residents are encouraged to use that intersection instead and they are not allowed to place markings on city infrastructure and roads.
“The unauthorized crosswalk painted at the North leg of Lombardy Drive will be eradicated/removed later today,” said the spokesperson.
They did acknowledge a primary issue for that area is speeding and they are working with the RCMP and Tri-Cities Speedwatch to enforce the speed limit.
“The city is currently reviewing various options for pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures throughout the city.”
The spokesperson said they do respond to requests from the community if someone feels a traffic calming measure is needed and they will perform an analysis if appropriate.
“The city uses the Transportation Association of Canada Warrant Analysis to determine the appropriate level of crossing control (e.g. marked and signed vs pedestrian activated signs), which includes assessing the volume and speed of traffic, volume of pedestrians crossing, frequency of opportunity to cross, visibility and sight lines and other technical criteria,” they said in a statement.