The City of Calgary has finished enhancing pedestrian safety measures at 50 schools citywide in preparation for the upcoming return to classes later this month. City officials announced on Monday that these upgrades aim to enhance the safety of students and their families during their daily commutes.
According to Surendra Mishra, a traffic engineer from the city, the upgrades focus on implementing appropriate safety solutions at the right locations rather than just adding infrastructure. The enhancements consist of new pedestrian crossings, curb extensions, speed cushions, and other traffic-calming techniques to enhance visibility and encourage slower driving speeds in areas with high pedestrian activity.
These safety improvements follow a surge in pedestrian fatalities last year, with Calgary experiencing a record 15 deaths, marking an 11-year high. Mishra emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to prevent fatalities and serious injuries resulting from road accidents.
In addition to curb extensions that aid in reducing crossing time, the city has installed rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at more crosswalks to enhance pedestrian visibility for drivers. Mishra highlighted that the installation of RRFBs has significantly increased driver compliance levels to pedestrians from 70-75% to 95-100%.
Further upgrades include the installation of new speed cushions and speed humps at 17 schools to control traffic speed in playground zones and residential areas. Mishra mentioned that when these safety measures are combined, they can reduce collisions by 70-80%.
Constable Les Mills from the Calgary Police Service’s residential traffic safety unit commended these measures for making a noticeable difference in school zones. He emphasized the impact of curb extensions in discouraging cars from parking in certain areas, prompting drivers to slow down instinctively due to the narrowed road.
Mills also announced that officers from the residential traffic unit would be present during drop-off and pickup times throughout September, collaborating with parking officers to educate drivers about unsafe parking practices.
The Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School Board are set to commence classes on August 31st.