Pedestrian Crossover

There are now pedestrian crossovers in the Township of Russell, mainly along the recreational trail. These crossovers give pedestrians the right-of-way at all times.

A pedestrian crossover is different from a regular crosswalk; mainly because they are found along sections of roadways where there is no formal intersection, they give pedestrians the right-of-way, and they require drivers to wait until the pedestrian has fully crossed before continuing. See our Frequently Asked Questions section for more information.

It is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules of the road.

Rules for Pedestrian Crossovers 

If you are a pedestrian or cyclist, you must:

  • Get down from your bike and walk your bike across;
  • Show drivers you want to cross by making the beacon flash, using the button;
  • Make sure drivers see you before you step out onto the crosswalk;
  • Only cross when traffic has come to a complete stop and it is safe to do so.

If you are a driver:

  • You must give right-of-way to pedestrians, since this crossover has a flashing beacon, even if they do not activate the beacon;
  • You can only continue to drive after all pedestrians have fully crossed.

Types of Crossovers

There are three types of pedestrian crossovers in the Township. Each crossover has the same rules of the road.

Illustrations of MTO, © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2019

Illustration of a Type B Pedestrian CrossoverType B

Type B crossovers usually have:

  • Lines that mark the crossing area
  • Clear place for motorists and cyclists to stop
  • Roadside signs
  • Flashing lights
  • Overhead signs

Illustration of a Type C Pedestrian CrossoverType C

Type C crossovers usually have:

  • Lines that mark the crossing area
  • Clear place for motorists and cyclists to stop
  • Roadside signs
  • Flashing lights

Illustration of Type D Pedestrian CrossoverType D

Type D crossovers usually have:

  • Lines that mark the crossing area
  • Clear place for motorists and cyclists to stop
  • Roadside signs

 

Pedestrian Crossover Locations

  • Recreational Trail and Notre Dame Street (at the Embrun Roundabout)
  • Recreational Trail and St-Pierre Road
  • Recreational Trail and Bay Street
  • Recreational Trail and Castor Street (near the Township Dog Park)
  • Recreational Trail and Eadie Road
  • Recreational Trail and Concession Street

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a crossover different than a crosswalk?

Crossovers are different than crosswalks. We are usually familiar with crosswalks that we see at official intersections with traffic signals or stop signs.

Pedestrian crossovers are different. They are often found along a section of a street where there is no intersection, to allow people to cross safely without jaywalking. 

Crosswalks:

  • Are often at an official intersection with traffic signals, stop signs, school crossing, or other.
  • Drivers do not need to wait until the pedestrian has fully crossed before driving.
  • Sometimes have “ladder” style stripes that mark the crosswalk area.

Crossovers:

  • Are often found at a stretch of roadway where there is no intersection.
  • Allow people to cross the road safely without jaywalking.
  • Are marked by signs and pavement markings. In some cases, they may also have pedestrian-activated flashing lights.

The Ministry of Transportation says vehicles should not stop in the roundabout. Doesn't this pedestrian crossover go against this rule?

At this roundabout, pedestrians using the crossover have the right-of-way since there is a flashing beacon setup, even if they do not activate the beacon.

Yes, normally there is no stopping in a roundabout, however the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) calls for this setup when there is a pedestrian crossing at a roundabout, "trumping" the typical rules of a roundabout.

This crossing is a "Pedestrian Crossover Level 2 Type C", as recommended by the MTO.

You will find the recommendation for this crossing in table 6 of the MTO Pedestrian Crossing Manual in Book 15 (published in 2016).

You will notice this same type of crossing in Orleans.

Who has the right-of-way at the roundabout crossover?

Pedestrians have the right-of-way, since this crossover has a flashing beacon, even if they do not activate the beacon.

Cyclists must get down from their bike and walk their bike across.

Vehicles must wait until all pedestrians have fully crossed their side of the crossover.

Is the pedestrian crossover at the roundabout accessible?

Yes! The roundabout is fully accessible.