Pedestrian Safety

Identify the different types of pedestrian crossings across the Town and learn how to navigate them safely.

The Town developed the Pedestrian Safety Program (pdf), with the goal of addressing safety issues and establishing where and what type of pedestrian crossings are needed throughout town. Through the program, the Town identified over 170 candidate locations.

On this page

Pedestrian signals

Pedestrian signal displays occur at some crosswalks and consist of: 

  • a walking person symbol indicating "walk"
  • a flashing hand symbol, sometimes accompanied by a countdown, indicating "don't walk" unless the pedestrian entered the crosswalk during the "walk" phase
  • a static hand symbol indicating "don't walk"

The white symbol of a walking person is the signal that tells pedestrians that they may begin to cross the road. 

Pedestrians may begin crossing the road at the crosswalk whenever the walk signal is showing.

The flashing "don't walk" hand signal means that pedestrians should not begin crossing the road. This signal is sometimes combined with a countdown timer and has the same meaning. 

If a pedestrian enters the crosswalk when the walk signal is on, they continue to have the right of way when the walking person light ends and the flashing hand or countdown begins. If you started crossing with the walk signal, continue your crossing – you will have enough time to complete your crossing before the signal changes to the "don't walk" phase.

The countdown signal, also known as a pedestrian countdown signal (PCS), shows the length of time between the walking person signal and the steady hand signal. The count down provides pedestrians with more information to assist them with a safer passage across the street. 

New traffic signals installed since 2008 have been equipped with pedestrian countdown signals. Each year, these devices are also installed at select busy crosswalks at existing signalized locations. 

The orange steady hand signal means "don't walk" and is displayed before the conflicting traffic movements are allowed to start. 

When faced with a "don't walk" signal the pedestrian should press the push button and wait to cross the roadway. 

At selected road crossings at traffic signal locations, Oakville uses Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) in coordination with the CNIB Foundation, to assist pedestrians who are visually impaired. 

These signals advise visually impaired persons when they can cross the intersection and in which direction. 

  • If pedestrians hear a “cuckoo” sound, they can cross in a north/south direction. 
  • A “chirp” or a music melody means they can cross in an east/west direction. 
  • Additional verbal messages and location information may be provided. 
Transportation & Roads

Pedestrian crossovers

A pedestrian crossover is a type of crossing where drivers and cyclists are required to stop for pedestrians intending to cross the road. 

Check out this short video, courtesy of the City of Ottawa.

Video/Image

Differences between pedestrian crossovers and crosswalks

While crosswalks and crossovers both stop traffic to allow pedestrians to cross a roadway, there are also some fundamental differences you should be aware of.

Pedestrian crossovers

  • Can be found at any stretch of roadway, not necessarily at an intersection
  • Always have "ladder" style stripes that mark the crossing area
  • Always have roadside signage that says "Stop for Pedestrians"
  • Always have pavement markings to show where cars and/or cyclists must stop
  • Sometimes have lights or overhead signage
  • Motorists must wait for pedestrians to cross the full width of the road before proceeding

Crosswalks

  • Found at a regular traffic signal, stop sign, school crossing or other intersection
  • Sometimes have "ladder" style stripes that mark the crossing area
  • Motorists do not have to wait for pedestrians to cross the full width before proceeding

How to use a pedestrian crossover

It is the responsibility of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules of the road. Here are some guidelines:

  • Look for the signs and slow down. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians waiting to cross the road
  • Stop behind the yield line. You do not need to stop if you can see there is no-one waiting to cross
  • Make eye contact so the pedestrian sees you
  • Wait until pedestrian completely crosses road before proceeding
  • Proceed once the pedestrian has reached the other side, even if the lights are still flashing, as long as you have looked to make sure no-one else is intending to cross the road
  • Stand close to the curb. If the crossover has button-activated lights, push the button
  • Hold your hand out in front of you indicating you are waiting to cross the road 
  • Look both ways and wait for traffic to stop
  • Make eye contact to ensure driver sees you before you step onto the road
  • Follow rules for pedestrians; dismount and walk your bike. Learn more about safe cycling.
  • When riding with traffic, follow rules for drivers

Types of pedestrian crossovers in Oakville

All pedestrian crossovers in Oakville are marked by lines on the road, a clear place showing where motorists should stop, roadside signs and, in most cases, flashing lights.

Pedestrian crossovers may be designed in different styles or classifications. In Oakville, you will find Type B, Type C and Type D.

Type B

Type B

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

Type C

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

Type D

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

Existing pedestrian crossover locations

The Town's first pedestrian crossover was implemented in January 2017 at Navy Street and Church Street (Type B). The recently completed Pedestrian Safety Program has recommended over 170 pedestrian crossover locations throughout the town that will be implemented over the next 10-15 years.

Existing pedestrian crossover map

New pedestrian crossovers to be implemented by the end of 2026:

  • Postmaster Drive at Crosstown Heritage Trail (north of Mariposa Road) – Type C 
  • Parkglen Avenue at Crosstown Heritage Trail (south of Highcroft Road) – Type D
  • Fourth Line at Crosstown Heritage Trail (north of Waubanoka Way) – Type C
  • Ridge Landing at Crosstown Heritage Trail – Type D
  • Grand Oak Trail at Crosstown Heritage Trail (north of Blue Holly Crescent) – Type C
  • Westoak Trails Boulevard at McCraney Creek Trail (west of Nightingale Way/Blackbird Court) – Type B
  • Eighth Line at Morrision-Wedgewood Channel Walk (south of Falgarwood Drive – Type B
  • Grosvenor Street at Valleybrook Park Access (south of Valleybrook Drive) – Type D
  • Prince Michael Drive and Craigleith Road – Type B
  • Colonel William Parkway at Fourteen Mile Creek Trail (north of Stallybridge Drive) – Type B
  • South Forster Park and Oakwood Crescent – Type D
  • Calloway Drive at Crosstown Heritage Trail (north of Edgerose Lane) – Type D
  • Sheltered Oak Court at Crosstown Heritage Trail – Type D
  • George Savage Avenue and Hibiscus Gardens – Type B
  • Heritage Way and White Lane – Type B
  • Valleybrook Drive and Pineview Drive – Type D
  • Bloomfield Drive at Nightingale Woods (north of Forestview Trail) – Type D
  • Sarah Cline Drive at Kaitting House Parkette – Type D
  • Sixteen Mile Drive and Gladeside Avenue – Type B
  • Roundabout at Great Lakes Boulevard and Nautical Boulevard – Type D
  • Mini roundabout at Great Lakes Boulevard and Timeless Drive – Type D
  • Sewell Drive and Queens Avenue – Type D
  • Springdale Road at McCraney Creek Trail (east of Stillmeadow Road) – Type D
  • Bartos Drive at Oakwood Public School – Type D
  • Adirondak Trail at Crosstown Heritage Trail (south of Falling Green Drive) – Type D
  • Arrowhead Road and Bon Echo Drive – Type D
  • Pinecliffe Road and Grouse Lane – Type D
  • Maple Grove Drive and Elmhurst Avenue – Type D
  • Max Khan Boulevard and Wheat Boom Drive – Type B
  • Parkhaven Boulevard and Georgian Drive – Type B
  • McCraney Street at trail crossing (between Kristie Court and Kristie Court) – Type B
  • Jones Street and Sovereign Street – Type B
  • Grand Boulevard at trail crossing (east of Lancaster Drive) – Type C
  • Chartwell Road and Macdonald Road – Type D
  • Baronwood Drive at Crosstown Heritage Trail (north of Sequoia Way) – Type D
  • Oakhaven Drive at Crosstown Heritage Trail (north of Pinecliff Road) – Type D
  • Stratus Drive at Crosstown Heritage Trail (south of Falling Green Drive) – Type D
  • Proudfoot Trail at Crosstown Heritage Trail (north of Waubanoka Way) – Type B

Neighbourhood Traffic Safety Program

The Neighbourhood Safety Program is an ongoing effort to ensure Oakville’s residential streets are safe for all road users. 

Learn more about neighbourhood safety
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