By: Tracy Garbutt
To improve pedestrian safety, the City of Winnipeg is installing leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) at more than 100 downtown intersections.
At LPI intersections, pedestrians will get the walk signal and the right-of-way five-seconds earlier than at other intersections – all while the light for drivers remains red, so pedestrians can begin walking without worrying about traffic trying to get across an intersection first. LPI’s are designed to make pedestrians more visible, reducing the risk of a vehicle-pedestrian collision.
I’ve felt the impact of this change first-hand, as I requested this an LPI at an intersection close to my home. It has been life-changing to build my confidence after my guide dog and I were involved in an accident in 2020 because a driver wasn’t paying attention.
The city is also piloting an LPI at a scramble intersection, which is an intersection where all traffic stops and pedestrians can cross in any direction at the same time. I was glad to be able to try out the intersection with one of CNIB Guide Dogs’ Orientation and Mobility Instructors. Together we were able to get through the intersection in one try. Although I could not make it through the intersection in time on my own, the City is now going to add more time to get across. The pilot project will continue for the next year to gather data and feedback.
I would like to recognize the City of Winnipeg’s Traffic Signal division for exploring accessibility solutions and taking the time to better our city in a positive way. Let’s take this as a win and keep changing our cities, one at a time!
If you have any further questions or feedback regarding the Leading Pedestrian Intervals in Winnipeg, please email tracy.garbutt@cnib.ca.