Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pedestrian crossover?
It is a place where drivers and cyclists are legally required to stop to allow people to cross a road. Pedestrian crossovers will be located between intersections and at corners.
How will I recognize a pedestrian crossover?
Pedestrian crossovers have the following features:
- On the road – painted ladder crossing and shark teeth
- In the boulevard – ‘Pedestrian crossover ahead’ signs, ‘No passing’ signs, and ‘Stop for Pedestrians’ signs
- A clearly marked crossing location
What is the difference between a pedestrian crosswalk and a pedestrian crossover?
- Pedestrian crossovers are located at mid-block locations and at intersections
- Pedestrian crosswalks are usually found at intersections that have stop signs or street lights
Why are pedestrian crossovers so good?
- They’re less expensive to implement than a full set of traffic lights
- The City has more flexibility as to where they can be put
- They improve the number of safe crossing opportunities for people walking
- They are on-demand – they are only in effect when someone needs to cross the road, unlike stop controls or traffic lights where traffic has to stop at all the time, even when no one is there.
Do motorists have to stop for pedestrians at a pedestrian crossover?
Yes: Motorists are required to stop at the shark teeth when a person is waiting to cross the road at a pedestrian crossover. Motorists can’t proceed through the crossover until pedestrians have completely exited the roadway.
Do cyclists have to stop for pedestrians at a pedestrian crossover?
Yes: Cyclists are required to stop at the shark teeth and wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road before riding.
When can I start driving through the pedestrian crossover?
Motorists and cyclists must wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road, and exited the road, before driving across the pedestrian crossover.
Can I pass a vehicle that is waiting at a pedestrian crossover?
No. It is illegal and dangerous to pass a vehicle waiting at a crossover. Doing so could result in serious injury to a person and will result in a fine of $150-$500 and up to three demerit points.
Can cyclists ride their bikes across pedestrian crossovers?
No. Cyclists must dismount and walk their bikes across pedestrian crossovers. There is an $85 fine for failing to do so.
As a pedestrian, how do I use a crossover?
- Basic: stand at the crossover, look to see that motorists have acknowledged you and are prepared to stop, begin to cross road.
- Advanced: stand at the crossover, push the activation button, when lights begin to flash and motorists have stopped, cross the road.
Are there fines for not using crossovers properly?
Yes. Drivers (including cyclists) can be fined for not stopping or for driving through a crossover before a pedestrian crosses to the sidewalk. Pedestrians can be fined for leaving the curb or walking/running into the path of a vehicle without giving the motorist enough time to stop safely.
What is the difference between a basic pedestrian crossover and an advanced pedestrian crossover?
- Basic crossovers are located on small roads with little traffic; advanced crossovers are found on larger roads with higher traffic volumes
- Basic crossovers don’t have push-buttons and flashing lights; advanced crossovers have rapid flashing beacons that activate when you press the button
- Basic crossovers don’t have overhead signs; advanced crossovers do