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Print | YORK REGION>Services>Roads>Traffic Signals |
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Pedestrian Signals at Intersections | |||||||||
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Pedestrians waiting to cross the intersection must press the pedestrian walk button to activate the pedestrian phase. When the walk signal is displayed, you have the Right-of–way and enough time to cross the intersection safely.
The walk signal is displayed for seven seconds followed by the flashing hand. The flashing hand is a warning to people who have not yet entered the intersection that it is too late to start walking, but provides ample time for pedestrians in transit to safely finish crossing the intersection.
To cross safely at signalized intersections follow these suggestions:
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How do I know when it is safe to cross?
When the walk signal is displayed you have the right-of-way and enough time to cross the intersection safely.
The "walk" signal will be displayed for a minimum of 7 seconds – this will get you started across the intersection. Why does the flashing hand appear before I've finished crossing?
The flashing hand is a warning to people who have not yet entered the intersection that it is too late to start crossing. Pedestrians should not begin crossing the street when the flashing hand signal appears but should continue crossing if they have already started.
Can't I just wait for the light to change?
Unless the pedestrian button is pushed, the traffic signal will remain timed to service the cars, not the pedestrians. Pedestrians usually need more time than cars do. Therefore, it is necessary to push the button to provide you with adequate time to cross safely. Remember that you only need to push the
button once.
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Audible Pedistrian Signals
What are audible pedestrian signals?
Audible pedestrian signals are little boxes located on the pedestrian walk and hand displays. They sound out a "peep" or "cuckoo" sound while the walk indication is on to assist the visually impaired and blind pedestrians to cross the road safely.
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind reports:
Who decides where they should go?
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind, along with the Region of York determines the most effective locations for audible pedestrian signals. When the pilot program was conducted, a warrant was established and proposed to Regional Council for adoption. | ||||||||
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Countdown Pedestrian Signals
Now, the pedestrian signal provides pedestrians with a means of accurately displaying how long they have to cross the street. The "countdown pedestrian signal" will display a "walk" symbol for a minimum of 7 seconds. The "walk" symbol is than replaced with the flashing "don't walk" symbol, and it is at this point that the countdown indication will display the number of seconds you have remaining to finish crossing the intersection. The average persons walking stride is approximately 1.2m/sec and this is the value used in determining the clearance time for pedestrians at signalized intersections. The Region is installing countdown pedestrian signals at all new traffic signal controlled intersections. As well, over 200 existing intersections are being retrofitted with Countdown Pedestrian Signals as identified as having high pedestrian volumes. Future retrofits will be determined on a case by case basis, some determining factors could include the number of seniors and presence of school children. Contact Us
To request information email us at: signals@york.ca | ||||||||
