Pedestrians

Information related to pedestrians.

I Can't Walk Fast Enough for the Pedestrian Signals

Walk SignalNo matter how quickly I start to cross once the walk light comes on or how fast I walk, I can make it only halfway across and by then the orange flashing hand has appeared. Drivers proceed even though I am still in the crosswalk trying desperately to make it safely to the other side. Many of them are also convinced they have a right to make the left turn even though I am still in the crosswalk.

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS - Limited Insurance Benefits

ICBC LogoThe August 14, 2021 edition of Global News Back on the Beat examines how the recent changes to ICBC coverage has resulted in significant difficulties for vulnerable road users, cyclists and pedestrians, if they are involved in a crash. John Daly speaks with David Hay QC, a personal injury lawyer and three cyclists who were hurt in a crash with a vehicle.

COLWOOD - No Thought for Pedestrians

Pedestrian CrossingI found an interesting post on Twitter this morning by @renomate talking about the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and the Island Highway in Colwood. He said "Standing at the intersection, waiting for the little "walk" symbol to appear so we can cross... my (8 year old) daughter says to me, "Dad, what do you do if you want to cross there"? (pointing perpendicular to where we are crossing) "you have to cross 3 times, and there's not even a scramble"

CASE LAW - Lemma v Wong

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis is the case of Lemma v Wong. Messele Lemma attempted to cross Commercial Drive at East 11 Avenue in Vancouver. He stepped off the curb slightly outside the unmarked crosswalk into the path of a pickup truck driven by Gary Rolfe. Mr. Rolfe stopped suddenly to avoid colliding with Mr. Lemma. Mr. Lemma continued to cross Commercial Drive, now in the crosswalk, where he was struck by a car driven by Lindsey Kwan who had changed lanes to the left and passed the Rolfe vehicle.

Leading Pedestrian Intervals

image of crosswalk signalWhen the light changes to green, drivers who intend to turn right or left are often focused on finding a gap in vehicle traffic to take advantage of. Pedestrians in the crosswalk are often not seen and a collision is the result. Leading pedestrian intervals are a simple walk light timing change that can help prevent these incidents.

CASE LAW - Kringhaug v Men

BC Courts Coat of ArmsKristen Kringhaug was standing in the driveway of her townhouse complex supervising four children ranging in age from two to four years old while they rode their bicycles. Li Men drove into the complex at low speed, prompting Ms. Kringhaug to begin to shepherd the children off of the driveway onto the grass shoulder. The two year old stopped and did not move off of the driveway, so Ms.

RESEARCH - Measuring the Success of Safe Routes to School

School Zone SignSafe Routes to School (SRTS) programs seek to increase the number of students who use active transportation (walking & cycling) methods to travel to and from school. Increasing physical activity has the potential to improve health. SRTS programs aim to accomplish this goal through engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement, equity, and evaluation.

Pedestrians on the Highway

Pedestrian Crossing"Don't pedestrians have to use the sidewalks?" asks a reader. The concern expressed here is that when a safe place is provided for pedestrians away from traffic flow, some people choose not to use it. The reader observes that these people make life difficult for drivers by adding one more hazard on the roadway.