Calgary is set to expand the use of traffic signals that give pedestrians a head start before vehicles get a green light.
City council voted 14–1 last Tuesday to expand Leading Pedestrian Intervals, or LPIs, at suitable signalized intersections across Calgary over the next two years.
The City says the system is intended to give pedestrians a walk signal three to seven seconds before parallel and turning traffic is allowed to move, allow pedestrians more time to enter the crosswalk and making them more visible to drivers.
The rollout will prioritize locations with higher collision risk, school areas and intersections with heavy pedestrian traffic.
City data shows 19 pedestrian collisions were recorded at 25 studied intersections before the signals were installed, compared with just one afterward.
The motion was brought forward by Ward 4 Councillor DJ Kelly.