Pedestrians, cyclists to get head start

Tory said the initiative, known as the leading pedestrian interval program, is aimed at putting pedestrians in view of turning drivers.

“If you combine the common sense of this — which is giving pedestrians a head start — with the actual results … we will see that this is going to make a positive difference in terms of the safety of citizens,” Tory said.

The change is part of $22 million in new spending approved by council amid pres- sure from the public who have criticized the city for not doing enough to prevent the number of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities and injuries.

That money will be used in part to increase the number of leading pedestrian intervals implemented this year from 40 to 80.

The initiative is part of the city’s Vision Zero plan, a program designed to reduce the number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths or serious injuries with a goal of zero every year.

There are currently five intersections where the intervals are used, the city said:

Dundas St. East and Mabelle Ave.;

Bloor St. West and Runnymede Rd.;

Martin Grove Rd. and John Garland Blvd.;

Lawrence Ave. East and Curlew Dr./Railside Rd.; Church St. and Gerrard St. Tory said the initiative is something that has proven suc- cessful in cities where it has been used, resulting in up to a 60 per cent reduction in pedestrian and cyclist collisions.

Leading Pedestrian Intervals are still a pilot program for some cities in Canada, with Vancouver, Calgary and Hamilton implementing it at a few intersections known for being dangerous for pedestrians. Pedestrian and cyclist advocacy groups in other major cities like Edmonton and Ottawa have recommended the program.