Pedestrian Signal Priority on Yonge and Byng
From "Lets Talk Traffic Willowdale"
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Current signal timings at Yonge and Byng Avenue should be updated to prioritize East/West pedestrian crossings during late-night and early-morning hours when vehicle traffic is low.
Pedestrians have to wait a very long time to for the pedestrian light to safely cross East/West.
We should modernize these signal cycles to prioritize pedestrians over empty lanes and reduce the incentive for dangerous crossings.
Comments(3)
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Profile of Harry Keess
Posted by:Harry Keess
3 months ago
I support this! Have you tried contacting 311? That would prompt city staff to review the timing of the pedestrian signal. It could be that there is a timing error that leads to longer than usual waits to cross. I contacted them about a long pedestrian timer last year (Bayview hydro corridor crossing), and they actually looked into the issue and found it was taking longer than it should have to change the signal. They fixed it and it's been a lot better. I also agree that this signal at Yonge and Kempford/Byng takes a while to change.
Either way, this is also important to raise so that the Councillor's office can follow up with the city if there is a demand from residents. In some cases, the city may not automatically adjust timing if volume isn't high enough, but the Councillor can help push for it.
Profile of John Zhu
Posted by:John Zhu
4 months ago
We have an intersection, just north there. Why can’t people use that? Am I missing something here?
Profile of Harry Keess
Posted by:Harry Keess
3 months ago
@John Zhu Yes, you in fact are missing something. If you were to walk to the nearest signalized intersection (Yonge and Finch) from here, cross, and then walk back down, it's about 600 metres. Unless you're running the whole time, doing that would take far longer than waiting for the signal with its current timing. For pedestrians in the area who are older and/or have mobility issues, that's really not an option. You're not addressing the issue at all with your dismissive comment.
Changing the signal to allow pedestrians to cross more frequently would help with mobility and allow residents to get where they need to go more easily, especially at lower traffic volume times of day.
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