Pedestrian signals
Pedestrian signal displays occur at some crosswalks and consist of:
- a walking person symbol indicating "walk"
- a flashing hand symbol, sometimes accompanied by a countdown, indicating "don't walk" unless the pedestrian entered the crosswalk during the "walk" phase
- a static hand symbol indicating "don't walk"
The white symbol of a walking person is the signal that tells pedestrians that they may begin to cross the road. Pedestrians may begin crossing the road at the crosswalk whenever the walk signal is showing.
The flashing "don't walk" hand signal means that pedestrians should not begin crossing the road. This signal is sometimes combined with a countdown timer and has the same meaning.
If a pedestrian enters the crosswalk when the walk signal is on, they continue to have the right of way when the walking person light ends and the flashing hand or countdown begins. If you started crossing with the walk signal, continue your crossing – you will have enough time to complete your crossing before the signal changes to the "don't walk" phase.
The countdown signal, also known as a pedestrian countdown signal (PCS), provides a numeric count down display that indicates the number of seconds remaining for a pedestrian to complete their crossing of a street. The countdown shows the length of time between the walking person signal and the steady hand signal. These devices provide pedestrians with more information to assist them with a safer passage across the street. The initial countdown display value is dependent on the length of the crosswalk.
New traffic signals installed since 2008 have been equipped with pedestrian countdown signals. Each year, these devices are also installed at select busy crosswalks at existing signalized locations.
The orange steady hand signal means "don't walk" and is displayed before the conflicting traffic movements are allowed to start. When faced with a "don't walk" signal the pedestrian should press the push button and wait to cross the roadway.
At selected road crossings at traffic signal locations, Oakville uses Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) in coordination with the CNIB Foundation, to assist pedestrians who are visually impaired. These signals advise visually impaired persons when they can cross the intersection and in which direction. If pedestrians hear a “cuckoo” sound, they can cross in a north/south direction. A “chirp” or a music melody means they can cross in an east/west direction. Additional verbal messages and location information may be provided.
Pedestrian crossovers
A pedestrian crossover is a type of crossing where drivers and cyclists are required to stop for pedestrians intending to cross the road.
Check out this short video, courtesy of the City of Ottawa.
What's the difference?
While crosswalks and crossovers serve similar functional purposes, stopping traffic to allow pedestrians to cross a roadway, there are also some differences you should be aware of.
Pedestrian crossovers
- Can be found at any stretch of roadway, not necessarily at an intersection
- Always have "ladder" style stripes that mark the crossing area
- Always have roadside signage that says "Stop for Pedestrians"
- Always have pavement markings to show where cars and/or cyclists must stop
- Sometimes have lights or overhead signage
- Motorists must wait for pedestrians to cross the full width of the road before proceeding
Crosswalks
- Found at a regular traffic signal, stop sign, school crossing or other intersection
- Sometimes have "ladder" style stripes that mark the crossing area
- Motorists do not have to wait for pedestrians to cross the full width before proceeding
How to use a pedestrian crossover
It is the responsibility of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules of the road. Here are some guidelines:
- Look for the signs and slow down. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians waiting to cross the road
- Stop behind the yield line. You do not need to stop if you can see there is no-one waiting to cross
- Make eye contact so pedestrian sees you
- Wait until pedestrian completely crosses road before proceeding
- You may proceed once the pedestrian has reached the other side, even if the lights are still flashing, as long as you have looked to make sure no-one else is intending to cross the road
- Stand close to the curb. If the crossover has button-activated lights, push the button
- Hold your hand out in front of you indicating you are waiting to cross the road
- Look both ways and wait for traffic to stop
- Make eye contact to ensure driver sees you before you step onto the road
- When crossing, follow rules for pedestrians; dismount and walk your bike. Learn more about safe cycling.
- When riding with traffic, follow rules for drivers
Types of pedestrian crossovers in Oakville
All pedestrian crossovers in Oakville are marked by lines on the road, a clear place showing where motorists should stop, roadside signs and, in most cases, flashing lights.
Pedestrian crossovers may be designed in different styles or classifications. In Oakville, you will find Type B, Type C and Type D.
Type B
- Lines that mark the crossing area
- Clear place for motorists and cyclists to stop
- Roadside signs
- Flashing lights
- Overhead signs
Type C
- Lines that mark the crossing area
- Clear place for motorists and cyclists to stop
- Roadside signs
- Flashing lights
Type D
- Lines that mark the crossing area
- Clear place for motorists and cyclists to stop
- Roadside signs
Existing pedestrian crossover locations
The town's first pedestrian crossover was implemented in January 2017 at Navy Street and Church Street (Type B). The recently completed Pedestrian Safety Program has recommended over 170 pedestrian crossover locations throughout the town that will be implemented over the next 10-15 years.
New pedestrian crossovers were added in December 2019:
- Westoak Trails Boulevard at Fourteen Mile Creek Trail (east of Ashmore Drive) - Type C
- Pilgrims Way at Glen Abbey Trail (east of Pineway Court) - Type C
- Munn's Avenue at Munn's Creek Trail (north of Rimmington Drive) - Type D
- White Oaks Boulevard at Algrove Park (south of Erin Street) - Type C
- Sir David Drive at Clearview Park Walk (north of Greenwood Crescent) - Type D
- Marine Drive at 2185 (west of Southaven Place/Windhaven Place) - Type C
- River Glen Boulevard at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Elementary School - Type C
- McCraney Street at Sewell Drive - Type B
- Pine Glen Road at Newcastle Crescent - Type C
- Bronte Road at Sovereign - Type B
- Robinson Street at George Street - Type B
Changes to the Highway Traffic Act
As of January 1, 2016, changes to Ontario's Highway Traffic Act mean that drivers and cyclists must stop and yield the whole width of a roadway at pedestrian crossovers as well as at school crossings, and other locations where there is a crossing guard. Drivers and cyclists can proceed only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have safely crossed to the other side of the roadway.
These new rules do not apply to pedestrian crosswalks at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals, unless a school crossing guard is present.
If drivers and cyclists do not yield to pedestrians at a crossover, they may face penalties including fines and/or demerit points. Fines double in Community Safety Zones near schools and other public areas.