Delta's engineering department will undertake some pedestrian safety improvements for seniors using Tsawwassen's main thoroughfare.
Delta council endorsed a recommendations by the department last week to add pedestrian countdown timers and enhanced audible notification at crosswalks at the intersections of 56th Street and 12th Avenue, the Town Centre Mall entrance and View Crescent/Windsor Woods.
The improvements come as a result by concerns raised by area residents.
In September, a meeting was held with residents of the Waterford building. After that gathering, site observations at crosswalks were conducted with several of the residents, including those using mobility aides. The main concern by residents was the available crossing time.
Pedestrian crossing times are calculated based on crossing distance and assumed walking speed. A report by the engineering department notes current Canadian design standards specify an average walking speed of 1.2 metres per second. However, studies indicate that due to start up delays and reduced mobility of senior pedestrians, a slower average walking speed may be used.
Engineering staff confirmed, though, the crossing times at the 56th Street intersections already account for a slower walking speed.
The report notes the available extra time isn't fully utilized due to start up delays. One factor may be due to poor eyesight, which may hamper the ability of seniors to recognize the pedestrian signal change. Another may be anxiety and confusion by pedestrians, who misinterpret the flashing red hand signal as the end of their walking time, not realizing it's the steady red hand.
Staff also recommended a pedestrian safety workshop for residents be coordinated with ICBC and BCAA.
