Should pedestrians have to push a button to cross?

Delegates to a Regional Council meeting on Tuesday seemed put off by a staff report on beg buttons at intersections.

While Director of Transportation Steve van De Keere did go over the options of infra-red cameras, radar, and signals that change on a fixed timeframe, he noted that they're not as effective as the current system when it comes to predicting pedestrian behaviour.

“They're not as reliable as a pushbutton,” said van Der Keere. “It becomes a challenge in order to make sure the signal responds appropriately when a pedestrian or a cyclist is detected.”

Van Der Keere also mentioned that intersections with a fixed time to change the lights may have higher collision rates, depending on how busy the road is.

He also noted that, at some crosswalks, it is unclear when you have to push the button to get a walk signal. Regional staff are considering installing more clear signage on that front.

The explanation, though, fell short for two delegates. 

“When I read the report, it lumps the consequences of changing signals for people walking and cycling with those of motorists, as if their experiences in delays will be the same,” said Mike Boos. “They're not. Drivers may have a dominate direction in which they use an intersection, but pedestrians often have to cross perpendicular to their main direction of travel. For instance, if their bus stop is on the opposite side of the street.”

Boos pointed out that for traffic signals that change without the corresponding pedestrian signal, many pedestrians will risk their own safety to save time, and simply cross anyway.

He suggested taking a page out of Ottawa's book, indicating on roadways where the area of greatest sensitivity is for traffic lights, so that cyclists know where to stop.

He also called on council to focus on pedestrian-heavy areas, especially those near post-secondary institutions and ION stations.

That's something that Councillor Tom Galloway felt could be a good starting point.

“The strategic plan that we have put together for this term of office is putting an emphasis on active transportation, as well as affordable housing, and a number of other areas,” said Galloway. “It's very complex, and I'm very frustrated by trying to figure out what things can or cannot be done reasonably.”

Galloway mentioned that he was particularly concerned with passengers of the LRT, who will cross the road in a dangerous fashion when pedestrian signals are not optimized for their use.

The second delegate, Daniel Brotherston, also stated that pedestrian signals are prioritizing cars, not pedestrians. 

Council also mentioned that they would like to continue using Miovision cameras, which collect data to improve traffic networks.

The issue will be discussed again in July.