Walking

Vancouver's top priority

It's more than just Vancouverites who think that Vancouver is a great city for walking. Vancouver was recognized as the 2008 Best Walking City in Canada by the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM).

If you're a pedestrian, there's things we're doing to improve your safety. There are also things you can do yourself.

What is the City doing for pedestrians?

Making all streets more accessible, safe and enjoyable for walking is a priority of the City of Vancouver. Pedestrians are given the highest priority, and we design streets with this in mind.

Pedestrian crossing studies guide us to prioritize locations for pedestrian controlled signals. Crosswalks range from unmarked legal crosswalks, to those with zebra markings and overhead signage. Bulges on the roadway decrease crossing distances, while making it easier for pedestrians to see or be seen.

We meet regularly with the police and ICBC to address locations that are safety concerns.

Pedestrian crossing lights: What do they mean?

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Pedestrian tips at intersections

• Use the pedestrian lights if they are at the intersection; always check the intersection before stepping onto the crosswalk or road.
• If there aren't any pedestrian crossing lights, wait until it is safe to cross. Make eye contact with drivers and wait for cars to stop. Even cars that appear to be slowing down may not stop.
• Watch for drivers making unexpected moves.
• Assume drivers can't see you.
• Make yourself visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Consider carrying a flashing red light at night.

Driver tips at intersections

• Approach intersections with caution. Be aware of other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists even if you have a green light.
• Yield to pedestrians crossing the street even if the crosswalk is not marked.
• Expect the unexpected; never assume that another driver sees you.
• Stop well in advance of the stop bar or crosswalk line. Do not enter an intersection that you may not be able to exit before the light changes. This has become a real problem where there is traffic congestion due to construction.
• Do not pass or overtake a vehicle stopped or stopping for a pedestrian.
• Watch for cyclists and pedestrians at all times, especially when visibility is poor.
• Yield to pedestrians when making a turn.
• Use your signals well in advance of a turn so other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians know what you are doing.
• When turning right on a red light, pay particular attention to pedestrians and cyclists.
• Some pedestrians may take longer to cross the street that others. Be patient.
• When operating a large vehicle, use caution. Pedestrians may not be aware of how much room large vehicles need to turn.
• Please obey all posted speed limits. Studies have shown that a pedestrian struck by a vehicle travelling at 60km/h is 70 per cent more likely to die from their injuries than a pedestrian struck at 50km/h.

Enjoy the city by foot by joining a walking tour.

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