Bike box signs on Pacific Boulevard

Signs, signals, and regulations

Contents

Our priorities are the safety of:

  • People walking and cycling 
  • At-risk groups like children, seniors, and those with mobility challenges

We use signs, signals, and painted road markings to let you know where you can walk or ride your bicycle safely.

Flashing beacons to enhance crosswalk safety

We are testing rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at three crosswalks in the City:

  1. Victoria Drive and Grant Street
  2. West Boulevard and 42nd Avenue
  3. Elliot Street and Waverly Avenue

When you cross the street at these locations, press the button to turn on the high-intensity light and let people driving or cycling know you’re crossing.

Flashing beacons are suited where many people cross the road, drivers rarely stop, and a pedestrian signal isn’t essential.

Watch a video about how the beacons work.

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When we do not install flashing beacons

Crossing signals

Pedestrian safety traffic signalThe walking pedestrian light means cross the street within the painted crosswalk lines if it is safe.

The flashing hand means it's too late to cross if you haven't already started so wait until the next walking pedestrian light.

The steady hand means don't cross and wait until the next walking pedestrian light.

Pedestrian safety countdown timer The countdown timer may appear next to the signals above, depending on the intersection. When you see the flashing hand and countdown, it's too late to cross if you haven't already so wait until the next walking pedestrian light.

When we do not install signals

​​​​​​​Update coming

  • In July 2020, Council voted to extend the hours of the 30km/hr school zone and playground to 24/7.
  • Until new signs are installed, the current speed limits remain in place.
  • We estimate new signs will be in place end of 2020/early 2021.

Speed limits

Unless otherwise posted:

  • City roads: 50 km/h
  • School zone: 30 km/h (8am to 5pm, school days)
  • Playground zone: 30 km/h (every day, dawn to dusk)
  • Street bikeways: 30 km/h
  • Lanes: 20 km/h

 

Road signs and markings

Know what these signs and symbols mean to help keep you safe, however you're travelling.

Cycling road signs and markings

Traffic calming signs and road markings

We install traffic calming signs only when we implement traffic calming measures, and not on request.

Keep right sign

We install the keep right sign to mark traffic circles and curb bulges.

Maximum 30 km/h

These speed limit signs are installed in school and playground zones, and on bike routes only.

Pedestrian crosswalk

We install pedestrian crosswalk signs when we paint zebra markings.

We do not install crosswalks when there is a stop sign facing the direction because vehicles must stop at a stop sign regardless of whether a pedestrian is waiting to cross or not.

Getting road marking details for collisions

If you've been in a collision and want precise details on road markings, you will need to hire a private surveyor. We do not keep "as built" drawings of road markings.

Signs and markings we do not install

  • "No trucks" signs in residential areas because they are reserved for arterial streets and industrial-zoned areas
  • "One way" signs because they would negatively affect nearby streets and lanes
  • "Slow down", "Slow: children playing", or "Residential traffic only" signs on streets because they are not enforceable and add to sign clutter
  • "No Stopping Anytime" signs on a request basis
  • Signs for single family driveways
  • Signs in lanes, except for the West End, as there are by-laws for stopping and parking in lanes
  • Painted solid yellow lines on the side and top of curbs
  • Bicycle route signs and bicycle lane markings on a request basis. They are only installed for City projects that impact the bike network.

Where it's ok to cycle, ride, and scoot

Vehicle Roads Protected bike lanes Seawall and park paths Sidewalks
Bikes Yes Yes Yes1 No
Electric-assisted bikes Yes Yes Yes1 No
Electric kick scooters Yes Yes Yes1 No
Skateboards, push scooters, rollerblades, and skates Yes2 Yes Yes1 No
Motorized skateboards3 No No No No
Electric unicycles3 No No No No
Hoverboards3 No No No No
Motorized wheelchairs No No Yes Yes
Motorbikes, mopeds, and limited-speed motorcycles Yes No No No

Notes

  1. On paths where signs or pavement markings allow cycling
  2. Local streets only
  3. The provincial Motor Vehicle Act does not permit electric unicycles, hoverboards, and electric skateboards to operate on public roads including bike lanes and sidewalks.

Report an issue or request a service

Request street and sidewalk repairs

Request repairs to a street, sidewalk, lane, or bike lane.

Request a sign repair

Request cleaning or repairs for a street sign.

Report street light issues

Report street light issues or request a new street light.

Report traffic or pedestrian signal issues

Request traffic or pedestrian signal changes, additions, and repairs.

Reporting damaged stop signs

A damaged, missing, or obstructed stop sign (for example, blocked by branches) can be a hazard to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

Request stop sign repairs

Requesting stop sign changes

Use our online form to request:

  • Stop signs be installed at an uncontrolled intersection
  • Directional changes for existing stop signs
  • Additional stop signs be installed (for example, change a two-way stop to a four-way stop)

Request stop sign changes

Reporting issues with overhead wires

All City electrical wires are underground.

Report issues or concerns with overhead wires to the appropriate organization:

For safety concerns, phone 9-1-1.