A pedestrian makes their way down King Street on Friday, December 29, 2017. (CHRISD.CA FILE)
The City of Winnipeg is introducing leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) at nearly 100 downtown intersections, giving pedestrians a five-second head start before vehicles receive a green light.
The technology was switched on as of Monday.
The change aims to reduce pedestrian-vehicle collisions by increasing visibility and improving safety. Early studies show a 13 percent reduction in pedestrian crashes and a 35 percent drop in near-miss incidents, according to Janice Lukes, chair of the standing policy committee on Public Works.
LPIs don’t change the type of signals or visual cues drivers and pedestrians see at a signalized intersection.
The only difference is that pedestrians will get their “walk” signal five seconds before drivers travelling the same way get their green light.
The city is reminding drivers to yield to pedestrians, especially when turning right on red.
