City launches pedestrian crossing study survey

Fredericton (December 15, 2011) – The City of Fredericton is inviting the public to voice their views and opinions as part of the Capital City Pedestrian Crossing Study. An online survey is now available on the city’s internet at www.fredericton.ca/pedestrianstudy.

The purpose of the study is to identify what residents believe to be the safest crosswalks, what crosswalks make pedestrians feel unsafe, and what crosswalk types residents have seen in other areas that they believe may improve safety in Fredericton.

City crosswalk facilities are already designed according to Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) guidelines,but the City of Fredericton feels the need to raise the bar and make Fredericton a safer and more pedestrian-friendly city.

The study is being coordinated by Opus International Consultants (Canada) Limited, a professional consulting firm with expertise in traffic engineering and safety. The process is being guided at the municipal level by a steering committee including staff from Engineering & Public Works, Police, Parks & Trees, and Development Services.

The process also includes a safety review of existing crosswalks and trail crossings, an analysis of local issues, a review of best practices, and the development of installation guidelines. The study will provide the foundation for improved pedestrian safety in Fredericton as part of the 3E Strategy (Engineering, Education and Enforcement). The public consultation (survey) is a critical phase of this project.

The survey questions will include;

• Indicate up to five locations (crosswalk or trail crossing) in the City where pedestrians feel safest crossing the road.
• Indicate up to five locations (crosswalk or trail crossing) in the City where pedestrians do not feel safe crossing the road and describe why pedestrians do not feel safe, and how the crossing could be improved.
• Describe crosswalk types that residents have seen in other areas that they believe may improve safety at pedestrian crossings in Fredericton (pictures or links to web pages are welcomed).
• And, how safe are the City of Fredericton’s pedestrian crossings overall.

The city of Fredericton encourages its residents to take part in this important pedestrian safety survey and welcomes the general public’s input into making Fredericton a better and safer city for all.

For those unable to participate in the online survey or for anyone looking for more information, please contact the City’s Engineering &Public Works Department at 506-460-2038 orpublicworks@fredericton.ca.