Pedestrian Safety
In communities worldwide, there is a growing imperative to offer alternatives that enable individuals to walk to various destinations while feeling secure in doing so. Recognizing this need, Saskatoon has prioritized pedestrian safety as one of the city's strategic goals.
As our population expands, it becomes increasingly vital to educate residents about the significance of sharing our roads and pathways responsibly. Whether biking, walking, or utilizing another form of active transportation, adhering to responsible travel behaviors is essential for enhancing safety on our shared roadways, bike lanes, pathways, and sidewalks.
Test your StreetSmarts about traffic safety and look out for each other out there on the road.
What is a pedestrian?
A pedestrian is a person who travels by foot, though people who use wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs and medical scooters as a means of mobility are also considered pedestrians.
Why walk?
Walking has many benefits:
- It's free, safe and easy - and it fits into our daily lives
- It's accessible to all regardless of age, income, location or physical abilities
- It’s a healthy form of transportation, promoting weight management, disease prevention and positive mental health
Stay Safe Crossing Tips
- Be visible - wear reflective clothing and bright colours
- Stay on the sidewalk
- Cross only at designated crosswalks
- Look and look again before stepping into the street
- Be aware of your surroundings – look around you and pay attention
Pedestrian Crossing Devices
There are many different types of pedestrian crossing devices including crosswalks, Active Pedestrian Corridors and Pedestrian Actuated Signals. The use of devices must comply with the Pedestrian Crossing Policy.
Crosswalks
Unmarked Crosswalks
Most crosswalk locations in the city are unmarked by signs, pavement markings or signals. These crosswalks are an imaginary extension of the sidewalk at an intersection.
Standard Crosswalks
Standard crosswalks have ground-mounted signs and two parallel white lines to indicate the crosswalk location.
Zebra Crosswalks
Zebra crosswalks have ground-mounted signs and wide white bars to indicate the crosswalk location. These bars increase the visibility of the crosswalk location and are used at locations frequently used by children, the elderly or mobility impaired pedestrians.
Decorative Crosswalks
Decorative crosswalks have ground-mounted signs and two parallel white lines to indicate the crosswalk location. Between the two parallel white lines, other colours and patterns may be used. Decorative crosswalks must comply with the Decorative Crosswalk Policy. Eligible organizations must submit an application for decorative crosswalks.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons have all the features of a zebra crosswalk as well as ground-mounted amber flashing beacons which are activated by a push-button.
Active Pedestrian Corridors
Active Pedestrian Corridors have all the features of a zebra crosswalk as well as overhead amber flashing beacons which are activated by a push-button.
Pedestrian Actuated Signal
Pedestrian Actuated Signals are a traffic signal for the through street traffic. The side street traffic is stop or yield control. The traffic signal is activated by a push-button.
Stopping Prohibitions
The City of Saskatoon has recently passed amendments to The Traffic Bylaw, focusing on stopping regulations at marked pedestrian crossings. These measures include a 15-metre "No Stopping” zone on both approaches to marked pedestrian crossings, along with a 10-metre ”No Stopping” zone after the crossing, unless otherwise indicated by traffic signs.
This measure is intended to prevent parked or stopped vehicles in the parking lane near marked crosswalks, creating clearer lines of sight between pedestrians and drivers, enhancing pedestrian visibility and safety. These stopping prohibitions also align with national guidance for signing near crosswalks.
Stopping prohibition signage will not be installed at every location affected by these new regulations. Some locations already have signage in pace. Drivers should continue to follow these existing signs.