New pedestrian crossover operational starting October 15

A new pedestrian crossover installed at James Street South within the Community Safety Zone across from St. Marys District Collegiate and Vocational Institute (DCVI) will become operational on October 15, 2019.

A pedestrian crossover is a designated crossing area that allows pedestrians to easily and safely cross the road. By law, drivers and cyclists must stop and yield to pedestrians intending to cross the road, and wait for them to safely cross and reach the sidewalk before proceeding.

The site will no longer employ a crossing guard but Town staff will be on hand during the first few days the pedestrian crossover is operational to make sure students and residents understand how to use it. However, it is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules of the road:

Guidelines for Pedestrians

• Indicate intention to cross by pressing the button
• Wait for signals to light
• Wait for traffic to stop
• Make eye contact to ensure driver sees you

Guidelines for Drivers

• Pay attention to what’s around you
• Be prepared to stop for pedestrians
• Do not pass any other vehicle within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover
• When the pedestrian crossover is lit, stop behind the marked yield line (triangles)
• Make eye contact to ensure the pedestrian sees you
• Wait until pedestrian completely crosses the road and reaches the destination sidewalk before proceeding

Guidelines for Cyclists

• When riding with traffic, follow the same guidelines as drivers
• When crossing with pedestrians, follow the same guidelines as pedestrians – dismount and walk your bike across the road.

Normally, the penalty for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crossover is a fine of up to $1,000 and four demerit points; however, since the new pedestrian crossover is in a Community Safety Zone, fines can be up to $2,000.

To watch a video explaining how to use pedestrian crossovers, please visit: townofstmarys.com/crossovers