York Region launches intersection safety program

York Region wants public roadways to be safer for walking and cycling, so the municipality is launching a pilot program that will see some changes made to key intersections in the region.

The safety improvements, which will be implemented over the summer, will include no turning right on red light signage, advance left-turning signals and giving pedestrian signalling systems a seven-second head start.

“More and more, people are choosing to walk and cycle,” said Township of King Mayor Steve Pellegrini. “Active travel has many benefits and enhancing safety at our intersections is one way we can continue to create safe communities for people to travel.”

Major Mackenzie Drive and Bayview Avenue, Bathurst Street and Carrville Road, Yonge Street and Clark Avenue and Bathurst Street and Clark Avenue are the intersections that will see these safety changes made, the region said in a news release.

These safety features will be tested for one year to see if they make a difference before they become permanent, the region said.