Waterloo Region testing new pedestrian safety measures at roundabouts

Could roundabouts be safer? CTV’s Colton Wiens finds out the changes being made to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

Pedestrians will soon see new safety measures at select roundabouts in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo.

The Region of Waterloo said the pilot program aims to protect people crossing busy traffic circles, whether they are on foot or on a bicycle.

New button-activated flashing lights will be added to the roundabout at Franklin Boulevard and Bishop Street in Cambridge, starting July 28.

In Kitchener, raised crosswalks will be installed at Homer Watson Boulevard and Block Line Road in Kitchener.

“It is not safe whatsoever,” said Barbara Mackenzie of the Homer Watson roundabout. “I’m living in the next building here almost three years and it’s crazy. You got to pay attention at all times. If you don’t, there’s some vehicles that don’t even stop for you.”

Button-activated flashing lights and raised crosswalks will be added to the Erb Street West and Ira Needles Boulevard roundabout in Waterloo, starting on Aug. 11.

The region said the three locations were chosen based on pedestrian volumes, collision history, presence of multiple lanes and geographic distribution.

“Based on data looking at collision reports and I will say community, participation and advocacy, these have been identified as three areas to run a pilot project and to increase pedestrian safety, especially as we grow,” said Colleen James, a regional councillor and chair of the Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee. “It’s part of our climate alliance [and] sustainable transit solutions for everybody.”

She said roundabouts are a safer solution for both pedestrians and motorists, and the pilot project will inform future decisions by council.

“If we need to increase safety measures and retrofit them, or as we build more roundabouts, ensure that there are the measures in place to begin with,” James explained.

According to Jeff Casello, a transportation planning and engineering professor at the University of Waterloo, the three roundabouts identified by the region work well for vehicles, but not much for pedestrians and cyclists. He feels raised sidewalks or flashing lights would make drivers more aware of potential dangers.

“I think the change that they’re making is a really, very good one,” he said. “What needs to happen when you are a driver approaching a roundabout is you have to be given a signal to slow down, first of all. And second, to know that there may be other roundabout users, whether they’re pedestrians or cyclists. And that’s exactly what the proposals are trying to do.”

Once construction is complete, a survey will be available through EngageWR. That feedback will then be presented to regional council in 2026.