We’re less than six weeks into 2016, and Vancouver has already seen two pedestrians die at the hands of motorists. Another pedestrian collision in Surrey on February 4 prompted the RCMP to call for vigilance from both drivers and people utilizing crosswalks.
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Today, the district of West Vancouver has launched a new pilot program that aims to improve pedestrian safety – but the onus remains on those crossing the street.
Yellow flags and holders have been installed at either side of the crosswalk at Mathers Avenue and Thompson Crescent near West Bay Elementary school. The municipality claims other communities have successfully utilized crosswalk flags to improve visibility and safety of pedestrians, prompting them to launch this pilot program.
Here’s how it works:
- Take a flag from the holder
- Raise the flag toward the street out in front of you or above you
- Wait for traffic to stop, then cross the street holding the flag
- Deposit the flag in the holder on the other side of the street
The district of West Vancouver notes flag use is voluntary – it is not a requirement. They also note that the pilot program will only be successful if flags are replaced in their proper holders after use.
Depending on how it goes, crosswalk flags may be utilized in other pedestrian crossings.
People have taken to Twitter to express their opinions on the pilot program.
@WestVanDistrict @westvanschools what a load of crap. How abt drivers learning to stop
— TW Traffic Chaos (@tw_trafficchaos) February 10, 2016
@WestVanDistrict @WestVanSchools @beach650 is this for real? If it’s so dangerous for pedestrians why not reduce the speed limit? — Michelle (@cycling_woman) February 10, 2016
@WestVanDistrict @WestVanSchools Someone could take all the flags and completely obscure themselves -shouldn’t they be see through? :p
— fyinnertube (@fyinnertube) February 10, 2016
@EcoSchoolsTDSB Please, can someone talk @WestVanDistrict @WestVanSchools out of this? Irresponsible. — the416anthill (@the416anthill) February 10, 2016
@WestVanDistrict @WestVanSchools if you really cared you would put in a proper crossing & enforce the law on those who do harm
— Sean (@seanlondonandon) February 10, 2016
@WestVanDistrict @WestVanSchools this is even better than criminalizing space for pedestrians! “they werent holding a flag when struck so..” — Bob Gunderson (@Bob_Gunderson) February 10, 2016
@WestVanDistrict @WestVanSchools If the flag-stick isn’t heavy enough to crack a car’s window I don’t see the purpose of this.
— Matt Alexander (@WestEndMatt) February 10, 2016
@WestVanDistrict @WestVanSchools Surely this is a well-crafted joke. Because it’s too twisted to be real. — Stephen Job (@Stephen_Job) February 11, 2016
