Concerns are being raised in Saskatoon over whether some pedestrian crosswalk timers are giving people enough time to safely make it across busy intersections. The discussion gained traction after Zachary De Francesco shared his concerns on Reddit, posting a video of the crosswalk at Idylwyld Drive and 20th Street. He argues the signal changes too quickly, forcing pedestrians to rush or risk being caught in the intersection when traffic begins moving. “It creates these very uncomfortable and dangerous situations that are just simply not necessary,” De Francesco told CTV News. According to De Francesco, not having enough time to cross can leave pedestrians stranded in the roadway just as vehicles get a green light. “Not having enough time leaves them in the intersection when the opposite direction of traffic finally gets that green light. Now all of a sudden, pedestrians and drivers are in conflict.” While he highlighted the Idylwyld and 20th Street intersection, De Francesco believes the issue extends beyond a single location. He says the limited crossing time can pose greater challenges for seniors, people with mobility issues and parents walking with young children. The concern becomes even more pronounced during Saskatchewan winters. “If you add on winter ice, people have to walk cautiously through the city. You can’t slow down — you have to keep going.” Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device The City of Saskatoon says pedestrian signal timing is based on guidelines from the Transportation Association of Canada. Nathalie Baudais, the city’s Engineering Manager of Transportation, says the city has already begun adjusting crossing times to reflect updated standards. “A couple of years ago we changed the walking speed down from 1.2 metres per second to one metre per second. So, we use that, and the length of the crossing, to determine the timing,” Baudais said. Those changes have not yet been implemented at every intersection. Baudais says the city is continuing to update crossings across Saskatoon, with some locations receiving additional consideration based on who uses them most. “Near a hospital or a seniors care home, for example, those locations may have a reduced walking speed,” she said. At intersections like Idylwyld Drive and 20th Street, the city says pedestrian timing must also be balanced with maintaining traffic flow along one of Saskatoon’s busiest corridors. Residents who think a crosswalk signal isn’t providing enough time are encouraged to report their concerns to the city. However, officials note current transportation priorities remain focused on the implementation of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit project. De Francesco says he plans to bring the issue directly to city council, with plans to speak at a meeting in August in hopes of pushing for further changes to pedestrian crossing times.
