Back to school means busier streets in London, Ontario. During September, the City of London typically sees an increase in pedestrian activity, especially near schools. This emphasizes a critical need for drivers to slow down and be on the lookout for pedestrian crossings and for pedestrians entering the roadway to cross.
Since 2016, the City has implemented 236 Pedestrian Crossovers to increase the accessibility and safety of our streets through its Pedestrian Crossover Program, which recommends new locations annually. In 2024, 36 new Pedestrian Crossovers are being added. All locations are clearly marked with “Stop For Pedestrians” signs, and pavement markings. Flashing beacons are also included on busier streets.
“Pedestrian Crossovers are being implemented to improve connectivity and safety for people who are walking,” says Doug MacRae, Director of Mobility and Transportation. "These designated crossing points require drivers to stop for pedestrians to cross the street.”
Drivers are legally required to stop regardless of whether or not the Pedestrian Crossover location has a flashing beacon. Failing to yield to a pedestrian on a Pedestrian Crossover carries a fine of up to $1,000 and 4 demerit points.
Tips for drivers and cyclists:
- Look for “Stop For Pedestrians” signs and slow down.
- Be prepared to stop for pedestrians waiting to cross the road.
- When you see someone waiting to cross at a Pedestrian Crossover, stop behind the yield line marked on the road. This line looks like shark teeth.
- Wait until people crossing the road finish crossing completely; this is legally required.
- Look and make sure no one else is intending to cross the road before you proceed to drive through.
- Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a Pedestrian Crossover.
Tips for pedestrians:
- Stand next to the “Stop for Pedestrians” sign to indicate that you want to cross.
- If the Pedestrian Crossover has flashing beacons, press the button to activate the amber flasher.
- Cross only when traffic has come to a complete stop, or has enough time to stop before you begin to cross.
To help increase driver awareness of Pedestrian Crossover locations, the City has started to implement additional measures such as a raised Pedestrian Crossover design and in-boulevard traffic calming markers.
To learn more about pedestrian crossovers, visit london.ca/pedestriancrossovers.
Additional reminders:
- Slow down and be mindful of city-wide speed limit reductions. All neighbourhood streets are now 40km/hr.
- Plan ahead for increased traffic and construction activity. Visit Renew London and consider using navigation apps such as Waze and Google Maps to see if your commute will be impacted.
- London Transit service schedule updates are in effect as of September 1. Please visit the LTC website for the most-up-to-date information.
- Some sections of the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) are closed while nearby construction projects or path maintenance is completed. All park pathway impacts are listed online at Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) | City of London.