Caught in the headlights A voice for those who don't have gas

Scramble to be added at Yonge and Bloor?

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release

October 7, 2009

Yonge and Bloor will be Toronto’s second pedestrian priority intersection

One of Canada’s most famous intersections is about to get a new look.

The City of Toronto is adding a pedestrian priority phase to the intersection of Yonge Street and Bloor Street on October 9, providing pedestrians with the opportunity to cross in any direction including diagonally. The first pedestrian priority intersection (or “pedestrian scramble”) in Toronto was installed at Yonge Street and Dundas Street in 2008.

“Installing a pedestrian priority intersection at this new location reinforces Toronto’s commitment to creating a pedestrian friendly environment,” said Mayor David Miller. “Giving priority to pedestrians promotes pedestrian safety and convenience, and helps renew our urban environment.”

The pedestrian priority phase has been implemented in a number of other cities and has reduced conflict between pedestrians and vehicles by separating the flow of traffic and the movement of pedestrians.

Toronto’s Transportation Division will take the following steps to help ensure a smooth transition to the pedestrian priority phase at Yonge Street and Bloor Street:
* Adjust the timing of lights to allow pedestrians to safely clear the intersection.
* Enhance the Accessible Pedestrian Signals to assist the blind and visually impaired.
* Monitor the intersection to determine whether any adjustments need to be made.

More information about pedestrian initiatives is available at http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/walking.

As far as cycling infrastructure along that stretch, you know the one where the Ontario Government told the Toronto government that they were bad and basically pulled the rug out from democratic choice, well we can hold our breath on that one. Seems its ok to walk safely at Yonge and Bloor, but not all right to cycle safely.