Crosswalk report going to council committee next week

Crosswalk safety became a hot topic when two women were seriously injured after they were struck crossing busy streets in Edmonton earlier this year.

The issue will come up again on Wednesday when a report on the criteria used for crosswalk markings goes before councils transportation committee.

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The report was requested in April by Coun. Ben Henderson after an 84-year-old woman was struck in a marked crosswalk while crossing 95th Avenue and 92nd Street.

When a young woman was struck in a Jasper Avenue crosswalk in early July, Mayor Don Iveson said it was time to take a second look at crosswalk criteria.

According to administrations report, the city uses standards set in the 2012 Transportation of Canada Guide.

Crosswalk markings depend on a number of criteria the volume of pedestrians and vehicles, the number of lanes crossed, speed limits, and distance from another marked crossing or intersection.

The type of pedestrians matter as well. More consideration is given if there are higher numbers of children and people with reduced mobility in a neighbourhood.

Flashing amber lights or pedestrian signals are used for high-traffic, multi-lane roadways with speed limits greater than 60 km/hr. Roads with fewer lanes and speeds under 50 km/hr usually get marked and signed crosswalks.

The report says that crosswalks on Jasper Avenue, Whyte Avenue, 109th Street and 104th Avenue are currently being reviewed. If necessary, the crosswalks may be upgraded next year to meet the new standards.

The report also gives city councillors some options to consider, including school crosswalk signs in the middle of the road and raised pedestrian refuge"islands.