New Westminster clarifies its pedestrian signal plan
By Theresa McManus
Pedestrians now have to press buttons to activate signals at seven crossings in the city but most crosswalk buttons remains hands-free.
In April, the city made changes to fully automate many of the pedestrian crosswalk buttons in the city.
“Locations providing this benefit will have a sign, and pedestrians will no longer need to push a button to cross at these intersections; they will simply wait for the walk signal to come on to cross,” said a notice about the initiative. “This will eliminate the need for unnecessary touching of the buttons as part of New Westminster’s effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Unless “significant challenges” were detected, the city expected this measure to remain in place “until such time as the public health orders are relaxed.”
On Nov. 3, the city announced via social media that automated pedestrian signals are being restored back to their previous state and will require people to use an elbow or an object (such as a pen) to press the button. People were advised to contact the engineering department if there’s an intersection they feel should be considered for re-automation.
Many community members took to social media to voice concerns about the plan, citing concerns about prioritizing drivers over vulnerable road users and requiring pedestrians to press the signals at a time when COVID-19 numbers are increasing.
“All pandemic numbers are increasing. Why would you do this now?” tweeted @NewWestSandy.
Even Coun. Patrick Johnstone questioned the decision. “Why?” he tweeted.
Mayor Jonathan Cote later told the Record the engineering department is going to do “a bit of a rethink” on the issue. He noted there a few locations where the city is having the push-button requirement implemented for traffic safety.
“My initial take is that, given that we are still very much in the global pandemic and that was implemented to reduce contact points and touch spaces, now might not be the best time to be looking at that,” he said. “There’s been a lot of feedback about how that actually makes things better for pedestrians even without the pandemic.”
Following a staff meeting, the city clarified its plan to restore pedestrian signals back to their previous state. The change only affects seven intersections, of which six are activated by pedestrians only (those with flashing green lights) at: Braid Street and Fader Street; Eighth Street and Hamilton Street; Eighth Street and Seventh Avenue; Sixth Street and Seventh Avenue; East Columbia Street and Hume Park; Columbia Street and Church Street; and East Columbia and Cumberland Street.
“All other automated pedestrian signals implemented due to COVID-19 remain in operation,” states a notice posted on the city’s website. “The adjustments to the seven intersections … were made after receiving complaints about unsafe conditions for pedestrians as a result of vehicle queuing. We have received additional feedback since the change was announced, and we will further review these intersections and consider reinstating the automation. Public safety remains our highest priority.”
For more information or to provide feedback, email the transportation division at [email protected].
