The City of Grande Prairie (the city) uses crosswalks and traffic signals to promote pedestrian safety.

Crosswalk Enquiries

If you have a concern about a pedestrian crossing, or wish to request a new one, please send an e-mail to info@cityofgp.com.

How Crosswalks are Implemented

Before the city installs a crosswalk, a pedestrian crossing warrant assessment is undertaken as per the Transportation Association of Canada’s (TAC) "Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide". This guides the City to determine if a crosswalk, at a specific location, is deemed necessary.

Once a concern about a crosswalk is received, the following steps are followed:
1.    The City will identify whether the concern relates to an existing crosswalk or not.
2.    The City will undertake traffic & pedestrian counts as required.
3.    The City evaluates requests using the TAC warrant assessment process. The warrant considers several criteria: pedestrian volume, pedestrian demographics, number of vehicular lanes, traffic volume, vehicle speed, sight lines, proximity to adjacent crosswalks, and collision data, among others.
4.    Crosswalk locations that meet the warrant are then prioritized. Crosswalks will be installed subject to available budget. 
5.    Crosswalks are installed during construction season, crosswalks are not installed during periods of wet or cold weather.
6.    If the assessment shows that the crosswalk is not warranted, the location will continue to operate as an unmarked crosswalk.
7.    A location that has been evaluated will not normally be reassessed for three years unless there has been substantial new development.
 

Types of Crosswalks

Unmarked Crosswalks Unmarked crosswalks exist at most intersections where there is a connecting sidewalk. These crossings are recognized by having a pair of para-ramps (drop curbs) on the opposite sides of a road. There are no painted lines or signs at an unmarked crosswalk.
Parallel Marked Crosswalks Parallel marked crosswalks consist of white parallel lines designating the crossing area. These crosswalks are usually accompanied by vertical signs.
“Zebra” Marked Crosswalks “Zebra” marked crosswalk consist of wide longitudinal stripes on the road (perpendicular to the crossing route). Zebra Crossings are usually found around schools and are accompanied by signage.
Rapid Flashing Beacons (RFB) Rapid flashing beacons are pedestrian activated lights consisting of two or more rapidly flashing amber beacons, usually mounted at side of road.
Overhead Flashers Overhead flashers are pedestrian activated flashing amber lights mounted above traffic lanes.
Intersections Controlled by Traffic Signals Crosswalks controlled by traffic signals are pedestrian activated if a pedestrian button is present, or on a timer if there is no pedestrian button. Pedestrians will see the WALK / DON’T WALK signal mounted on the opposite sides of the marked crosswalk.

Who has the Right of Way?

Pedestrians normally have right of way at intersections, except when controlled by other traffic control devices such as traffic signals or a police officer.
When pedestrians indicate their intention to cross the street, vehicles must stop before the crosswalk if it is safe to do so.
Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians can be ticketed and fined.
 

How to Cross a Roadway Safely?

Please note that a pedestrian control device, such as a marked crosswalk, does not guarantee a person’s safety. When trying to cross the road a pedestrian should:
•    Only cross the street at designated crossing points.
•    Turn off headphones / earphones and don't be a distracted walker.
•    Wear light-coloured or reflective clothing when walking in low light or poor weather conditions.
•    Use the Point, Pause and Proceed system to safely cross the street.
•    Make sure all vehicle drivers have seen you and have stopped before you start crossing.