Getting a head start: New street signals allow for safer crossings

Crossing the street is about to get a whole lot easier. Starting this summer, the City of Mississauga is implementing Pedestrian Head Start Signals (also known as Leading Pedestrian Intervals) as well as Bike Head Start Signals (also known as Leading Bike Intervals). As one of the 99 actions outlined in the Vision Zero Action Plan, this update will give pedestrians and cyclists a five-second head start into their crossing before the light turns green for vehicles.

From a road safety perspective, Head Start Signals will help increase the visibility of people crossing through an intersection, reinforce their right of way and encourage drivers to yield. It also provides those with mobility challenges more time to begin their crossing before vehicles enter the intersection.

Signal changes will happen where Accessible Pedestrian Signals (also known as Audible Pedestrian Signals) are already in place. In Mississauga, close to 200 intersections will be updated with Pedestrian Head Start Signals, and more than 20 intersections with existing bike signals will be updated with Bike Head Start Signals.

Moving forward, as new intersections are built and upgraded across the city, Accessible Pedestrian Signals and Head Start Signals will be added.

Pedestrian and Bike Head Start signals rules

If you’re at an intersection with Pedestrian and/or Bike Head Start Signals, the rules for when to enter an intersection and when to wait are the same as with any other intersection. Only the timing will change.

Pedestrians

When crossing the street, only enter the intersection when the walk signal is showing. Once the flashing hand and/or countdown signal begins, you may finish your crossing, but you must not begin crossing the road.

Cyclists

For intersections with bike signals, wait for the bike signal to be green before you proceed. For intersections without bike signals, wait for the traffic light to be green before entering the intersection.

Drivers

Follow your traffic signals as usual. When preparing to turn, look for and yield to those crossing the street.

In 2022, the City piloted Pedestrian Head Start Signals at the Lakeshore Road and Stavebank Road intersection. Last year, the City also updated signal timing at nearly 750 intersections to provide pedestrians more time to cross the street.

Learn more about Pedestrian Head Start Signals and Bike Head Start Signals. Learn more about Vision Zero and Mississauga’s Vision Zero Action Plan.

Tags

• Active Transportation
• Public Safety
• Roads and Traffic