Towered
Senior Member
I also noticed when driving in Europe that there are many yield signs but few stop signs. Here it's the opposite.
I believe Richmond W & Simcoe finally has a light as well.
This works well for jurisdictions that do not allow turns on red.Since moving to the Netherlands, I have been examining how Dutch traffic signals manage to be so much more flexible and safe than Canadian ones, and I think a key factor is the widespread use of multi-stage crossings. And unlike the examples you might know in the GTA (University Ave, Highway 7, etc), the multi-stage crossings in the Netherlands still allow pedestrians to cross the street in one go.
I made a video to illustrate my thoughts:
This works well for jurisdictions that do not allow turns on red.
A more basic set up would be 4 phases of advance green, with pedestrians getting the walk phases on crosswalks that do not conflict with moving traffic.
That means, if you get a walk signal, no traffic will be in your way. Vice versa for vehicles getting a green light.
Benefits of this setup also include shorter countdown time and elimination of dedicated turning lanes.
What else do Montréal and New York City have in common? Both are on islands! Except for the Bronx when it comes to New York City.The cities of Montréal and New York City are the only jurisdictions that prohibit right turns on red lights. Unless otherwise signed. Maybe it's time for Toronto (and the GTHA) to join them?
I sometimes view the Yonge spine as Manhattan, surrounded by the development-limiting yellow belts which act as our East, Hudson and Harlem Rivers.What else do Montréal and New York City have in common? Both are on islands! Except for the Bronx when it comes to New York City.
Toronto can have a canal running along its city limits so that Toronto can become an island.
I also noticed when driving in Europe that there are many yield signs but few stop signs. Here it's the opposite.
People here have no idea how to use a yield sign. The city replaced the yield sign on my street with a stop sign a few years ago because there was too many accidents.
IE13.8 | ACTION | Adopted on Consent | | Ward: All |
Accelerate Implementation and Installation of the New Traffic Control Devices Including New Traffic Signals, Mid-block Pedestrian Signals, Pedestrian Crossovers, and Flashing Beacons |
City Council Decision |
City Council on June 29 and 30, 2020, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services to develop an action plan to accelerate the implementation of new traffic control devices including new traffic signals, mid-block pedestrian signals, pedestrian crossovers, and flashing beacons from 18 months down to 8 months or less from the time that they are approved by Council. |
Background Information (Committee) |
(June 10, 2020) Letter from Councillor Mike Colle on Accelerate Implementation and Installation of the New Traffic Control Devices Including New Traffic Signals, Mid-block Pedestrian Signals, Pedestrian Crossovers, and Flashing Beacons (http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2020/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-147815.pdf) |
The cities of Montréal and New York City are the only jurisdictions that prohibit right turns on red lights. Unless otherwise signed. Maybe it's time for Toronto (and the GTHA) to join them?
Since moving to the Netherlands, I have been examining how Dutch traffic signals manage to be so much more flexible and safe than Canadian ones, and I think a key factor is the widespread use of multi-stage crossings. And unlike the examples you might know in the GTA (University Ave, Highway 7, etc), the multi-stage crossings in the Netherlands still allow pedestrians to cross the street in one go.
I made a video to illustrate my thoughts:
Wow, thanks! That's really flattering.I checked out your channel. Some great content! Astonishing that you don't have more subs. Keep up the good work! Maybe you should collab with Not Just Bikes.