New initiative promotes pedestrian safety at crosswalks

As October is Pedestrian Safety Month, the City of Lethbridge would like to raise awareness of a new signal timing initiative for increased pedestrian safety.

Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI), also known as a Pedestrian Head Start Signal, provide advanced walk signals allowing pedestrians to begin to cross the street before vehicles get a green signal.

The City has implemented LPI at several intersections across the city and will continue to add more in the coming weeks and months.

This timing strategy is used similarly in many other cities in Canada and the United States. Its purpose is to increase the visibility of pedestrians in the intersection and reinforce their right-of-way before turning vehicles. The LPI is particularly helpful for older pedestrians, as they may take longer to occupy the crosswalk following the start of a walk indication. LPI could make pedestrians more visible to turning motorists.

Drivers are reminded to yield to pedestrians, anywhere in the city – especially if you are turning left or right at intersections, with or without LPI. 

An overall Transportation Safety Plan update was also presented at the October 3 Assets and Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee meeting. It is on the agenda for potential approval at the October 22 City Council meeting.