Based on 2019 collision statistics, 37 serious and fatal injuries involved drivers failing to yield to a pedestrian who had the right of way in a crosswalk. Pedestrian control devices, including crosswalks and traffic signals, help protect people when they cross the street.
In 2019, 23 crosswalks were upgraded, and 82 have been upgraded since Vision Zero began in Edmonton. In 2019, $3.9 million was spent on improving crosswalks and $1.1 million was spent on traffic signal improvements to improve safety for pedestrians.
When looking at crosswalks to upgrade, priority is given to locations based on Vision Zero principles using the following criteria:
- Pedestrian collision history
- Number of pedestrians
- Number of vehicles
- Number of traffic lanes pedestrians have to cross
- Existing median or other pedestrian refuge
- Speed limit
The following crosswalk upgrades were made in 2019:
- 10 flashing beacons
- 8 pedestrian signals
- 5 amber flashers
- 41 school zones with flashing beacons