Pedestrian crossovers are a new way for any pedestrian to safely and easily cross the road. These are marked by pavement markings and signs and in some cases, others have pedestrian-activated flashing lights. By law, cyclists and drivers must stop any pedestrian intending to cross the road and wait for them to reach the other side completely before you start driving to ensure that they are safe.

Pedestrian Sign – Walk

If you are a pedestrian, you will find a sign or a walk indication when you are going to cross the road. Some roads have pedestrian control signals that were being installed. If you need to cross the road, you will notice that there is a walk indication in a direction and must follow the direction for you to cross the road.

Pedestrian Sign – Don’t Walk

For those roads that have installed pedestrian control signals, you will find a red signal flashing, When the red alert is being on, it’s an indicator that you cannot cross the street or walk in that road using the pedestrian. You need to wait until the red light becomes green which is a walk signal for you to cross safely.

Sudden Traffic Signs Change

What if you are crossing the road and then the traffic lights become red? If you enter the road lawfully, then continue walking and crossing the road as early as you can as this will not be considered a violation or a type of criminal offense.

New Rules for Pedestrian Crossovers in Canada

There’s a new rule in Canada that states that drivers must stop and wait until all pedestrian completely crosses the street or road. This rule is also applicable to any school crossing. Under this new law, if any cyclist or driver violated this rule, he will be fined or charged 150 CAD to 500 CAD.

Reminders for Pedestrians

• You must use caution.
• Ensure that the cyclist or driver has ample time to stop before crossing the road.
• Make it clear that you want to cross.
• Ensure that the driver sees you clearly before you start to cross.
• If there’s a push-button at the crossing, press that button to activate the flashing lights.
• Cross when the traffic lights have come to their complete stop for you to feel safe.

Pedestrian Rules at Traffic Lights

• You should only cross the street or road when the traffic stops completely especially when the traffic light turns into a green indication a walk signal.
• Don’t cross before the light comes up. As long as there’s a green light with a walk indicator turned up, you can start walking for you to cross to the other end.
• When the traffic light is flashing “do not walk” or the traffic light is yellow, do not cross the road. But if you’re already crossing the road and then the traffic light turns up yellow or red, don’t stand in the middle and just complete your crossing immediately.
• Never cross the road when it’s a red light.
• You can also watch for the traffic turning at the intersections of roads and leaving driveways.