Pedestrian safety measures coming to more crosswalks

As the City of Lethbridge continues to implement increased pedestrian safety across the city, we also want to ensure drivers are aware of the upgrades.

The City has already implemented Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI), also known as a Pedestrian Head Start Signal, at several intersections and will continue to add more in the coming weeks and months.

The LPI provides advanced walk signals, allowing pedestrians to begin to cross the street before vehicles get a green signal.  When a pedestrian presses the button, the walk signal will appear while the red light for vehicles remains for a few additional seconds before turning green.

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. 

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.  When you’re driving, please take extra care around crosswalks. Predicting and yielding to pedestrians is an essential part of safe and skilled driving.

When facing an LPI:

• Drivers must continue to obey the red light
• Drivers are not to turn right during this time, even where right-turn-on-red is normally permitted
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists approaching from behind, in front, or along sidewalks and pathways