Leading Pedestrian Intervals
Leading Pedestrian Intervals at major intersections in Surrey are helping to keep our most vulnerable road users safe.
Finding ways to help keep our most vulnerable road users safe is a key priority of Vision Zero Surrey. That’s why the City of Surrey has implemented Leading Pedestrian Intervals, or LPIs, at various signalized intersections around the City.
Studies have shown that crashes involving pedestrians commonly occur when they are crossing intersections and are struck by drivers turning left or right. LPIs help reduce conflicts that can happen between vehicles and pedestrians at intersections.
How leading pedestrian intervals work
Typically, pedestrians and vehicles enter the intersection at the same time. The light changes green for drivers and the “WALK” sign illuminates for pedestrians. This is when conflict can occur. LPIs are traffic signal timing features that give pedestrians a head start into the crosswalk before the vehicle green is shown. This allows drivers to see pedestrians more easily and reduces pedestrian-vehicle crashes.
We are currently leading the province with more than than 140 LPIs in place, and new locations added every year.
Benefits of LPIs
Leading pedestrian intervals have been shown to:
- reduce vehicle-pedestrian crashes by approximately 60 percent;
- increase pedestrian visibility by giving them a head start into the intersection;
- be extremely low-cost with high safety benefits.
Just one push of a button
At intersections with an LPI, the “WALK” button must be pressed to get the head start. The traffic signal timing at these intersections is re-programmed to give pedestrians the “WALK” sign for 7 seconds while all vehicle lights stay red. This time allows pedestrians to get further into the intersection and be more visible to drivers before vehicle traffic signals turn green.
LPI implementation
LPIs are most suitable for streets where most vehicle traffic makes left and/or right turns. Even with very low pedestrian volumes, turning vehicle-pedestrian conflicts are concerning. As a result, we generally implement LPIs at:
- any T-intersection that has a crosswalk where pedestrian-vehicle conflict can occur, and
- 4-legged intersections where a high proportion of vehicles are turning.
No matter who you are, where you’re going or how you get there, we all have a part to play to ensure we get home safely." — Vision Zero Surrey
Pedestrians only
When the pedestrian pushbutton is pressed, pedestrians are given a 7 second head start to enter the intersection. Vehicles are shown a red light during this time.
Pedestrians & cars
After 7 seconds, through and left turning vehicles are given the green light to go. Pedestrians are now more visible to drivers and turning vehicles must yield to those already in the crosswalk.
Learn more
Pedestrian safety is very important to the City and our Vision Zero partners, as outlined in our Vision Zero Surrey Safe Mobility Plan. There are many ways, in addition to LPIs, that the we work to help keep pedestrians safe on our roads. Find out how by checking out our Safe Roads and Safe Road Users pages.