Pedestrian Corridors
What's a pedestrian corridor? They are a specially signed crosswalk. These corridors are equipped with flashing beacons and internally illuminated signs, installed over the roadway. The flashing beacons are actuated by pushbuttons and advise motorists of the pedestrian's intent to cross the street.
What is the difference between a pedestrian corridor and other traffic control devices (such as traffic signals or stop signs)? At a traffic signal, all road and sidewalk users must wait for their signal indication before proceeding. This often leads to delay and may cause impatient and dangerous behaviour. Pedestrians may even cross against the traffic signal, particularly during cold or wet weather. At stop signs, all road and sidewalk users must stop even when no traffic is present. The main purpose of a pedestrian corridor is to minimize the delays for both pedestrians and motorists.
What is a pedestrian supposed to do at a pedestrian corridor?
- Clearly indicate the intention to cross the street by using the pushbutton to activate the flashing beacons and by extending the arm. Without pedestrians communicating their intentions, motorists may not know if pedestrians wish to cross the street or not.
- Not step off the curb or into another traffic lane unless they are sure that approaching vehicular traffic has stopped.
- Always watch for turning vehicles.
- Dismount bicycles and use the pedestrian corridor as a pedestrian.
- A second pushbutton is always installed on divided roadways. Pedestrians must also use this second pushbutton to activate the flashing beacon over the second roadway.
What are motorists supposed to do when approaching a pedestrian corridor?
- Yield to pedestrians who are in the crosswalk or who are indicating their intent to cross the roadway.
- Do not pass another motorist which has stopped for or is yielding to a pedestrian.
- Do not park or stand a vehicle at the curb within 15 metres of the approach side of a pedestrian corridor.
For more pedestrian safety tips and to view MPI’s 60-Second Driver video on pedestrian crossing safety, please visit the MPI Web site.
Last update: 03.09.2008
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