Use pedestrian crossovers safely

A pedestrian crossover is a road crossing where drivers and cyclists must stop by law and let people cross.

On this page:

  1. Pay extra attention at crossovers
  2. Drivers – stop and stay alert
  3. Pedestrians – cross with care
  4. Cyclists – dismount or follow driver rules
  5. Watch our crossover safety video
  6. Types of crossovers
  7. Find more safe driving resources

Pay extra attention at crossovers

Crossovers are different than crosswalks. They are not at intersections with traffic lights, pedestrian signals, or stop signs. Some crossovers have flashing lights to alert drivers, but not all.

Everyone needs to stay alert at a crossover.

Drivers – stop and stay alert

At a pedestrian crossover, drivers must:

  • slow down, watch for people waiting to cross and be ready to stop
  • stop behind the yield line (marked with triangles called “shark’s teeth”)
  • make eye contact with the pedestrian before they cross
  • wait until the person has crossed the entire road – or to the median, if it’s a two-stage crossover
  • only drive through once the road is clear, even if the lights are still flashing

Pedestrians – cross with care

When using a pedestrian crossover, you should:

  • wait at the curb so drivers and cyclists can see you
  • press the button to start flashing lights, if available
  • make eye contact with drivers or cyclists before stepping out
  • check both directions and wait for traffic to stop
  • cross when traffic has come to complete stop and you feel it’s safe

Cyclists – follow the rules for where you ride

If you are using the crossover:

  • you must get off your bike and walk it across
  • when you cross, you follow the same rules as pedestrians

If you are riding on the road:

  • you ride with traffic and follow the same rules as drivers
  • if someone is waiting to cross, you must stop just like a car

Watch our crossover safety video

Watch our short video to learn how pedestrians, cyclists and drivers can use pedestrian crossovers safely. 

 

 

Types of crossovers

There are 3 types of pedestrian crossovers, called B, C or D. They all have lines that mark the crossing area, roadside signs and a clear spot for motorist and cyclists to stop, with noticeable differences marked below. 

Image shows a graphic depiction of type B Pedestrian Crossover showing people walking across the pedestrian crossover safety.

Type B

  • flashing lights
  • overhead signs
Image shows a graphic depiction of type C Pedestrian Crossover showing people walking across the pedestrian crossover safety.

Type C

  • located at University Avenue at Park Street, and on Regina Street at the Spur Line trail
  • flashing lights
Image shows a graphic depiction of type D Pedestrian Crossover showing people walking across the pedestrian crossover safety.

Type D

  • located in most roundabouts in the city
  • only roadside signs
  • no flashing lights

Find more safe driving resources

Watch our Vision Zero series to help us reach our Vision Zero Strategy goal of zero serious injuries and deaths from traffic collisions in our community. 

Read the provincial safe driving guide for information on stopping, sharing the road, driving through intersections, handling poor weather and more.