Where am I most at risk walking or cycling in York Region?

Traffic lights under spotlight at 4 intersections in Richmond Hill, Markham and Vaughan

Yorkregion.com
July 30, 2019
Kim Zarzour

First, the good news: you are less likely to crash while driving a vehicle on York Region roads than any other municipality in the Greater Toronto Area, and the number of motor vehicle collisions continues to decline.

Now the bad news: if you're on foot or bicycle, your life is more at risk --especially if you are crossing at a signalized intersection, especially if a car is turning when you are trying to cross and especially, if you are travelling through some key intersections in the southern portion of York Region.

That’s according to data from York Region’s transportation services.

The department is embarking on a pilot study to make four high-risk street crossings --in Richmond Hill, Markham and Vaughan --safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

The four intersections are as follows:

• Major Mackenzie Drive and Bayview Avenue in Richmond Hill.

• Bathurst Street and Carrville/Rutherford Road in Richmond Hill.

• Yonge Street and Clark Avenue in Markham.

• Bathurst Street and Clark Avenue in Vaughan.

Joseph Petrungaro, director of roads and traffic operations, says the potential for collisions is higher at those intersections, based on historical data and the amount of pedestrian/cyclist activity.

This summer, the region will try modifying traffic flow at those intersections, part of a one-year pilot project.

Changes will include restricting right turns on red, exclusive left turn signals, pedestrian and cyclist right-of-way signage and advanced pedestrian crossing signals.

As part of the rollout, the region will provide staff to assist at the corner to answer questions and help educate.

Recent statistics show pedestrians and cyclists are most likely to sustain injuries and fatalities than anyone else on the road, and summer months --August especially --are worst for cyclists. Pedestrians are also more at risk as the weather warms up, spiking in fall with waning daylight.

Between 2014 and 2016, more than 80 per cent of collisions involving cyclists, and 95 per cent of collisions involving pedestrians, resulted in injuries or fatalities, the regional report says.

Drivers are advised to slow down and, for pedestrians/cyclists, Petrungaro says, your best bet is eye contact.

"If you are waiting to cross the street and a car is turning, make sure the driver sees you. Get that visual connection."