Pedestrian Safety
In communities across the world, there is a growing need and responsibility to provide options that give people the opportunity to walk to more places and to feel safe while doing so. In Saskatoon, one of the City's strategic goals is to promote the movement of people and goods in and around the city by optimizing pedestrian safety.
As the population grows, there is recognition that the City needs to provide more education about the importance of sharing our roads and pathways. If you’re biking, walking or using another form of active transportation, having responsible travel behaviours will make the shared use of roadways, bike lanes, pathways and sidewalks safer for everyone.
Everyone needs to know the rules of the road and share the responsibility of roadway safety. Pedestrian safety is everyone's responsibility.
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.