Leading Pedestrian Interval

A Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) gives pedestrians an advance “walk” signal, while traffic signals in all direction remain red for a few seconds. This gives pedestrians a head start to cross the road safely before any vehicle traffic may proceed. LPIs are typically applied where there is enough pedestrian and turning vehicle traffic to require a dedicated signal interval for pedestrians. 

LPIs improve safety by:

  • Enhancing the visibility of pedestrians in the intersection,
  • Reinforcing the right-of-way of pedestrians and encouraging motorists to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk,
  • Providing more time for older pedestrians or those with mobility challenges to use the crosswalk, as they may take longer to occupy the crosswalk following the start of a “walk” signal, making them less visible to turning motorists. 

To see a LPI in action, check out this short video from Streetfilms.

LPIs have been installed at the following intersections to improve safety for pedestrians:

  • Elgin Street and St. Anne Road/MacKenzie Street (crossing Ste Anne Road/MacKenzie)
  • Notre Dame Avenue and Kathleen Street (crossing on Notre Dame Avenue)
  • Notre Dame Avenue and King Street (crossing on Notre Dame Avenue)
  • Notre Dame Avenue and Wilma Street (crossing on Notre Dame Avenue)
  • Notre Dame Avenue and Ste Anne Road / Louis Street (crossing on Notre Dame Avenue)
  • LaSalle Boulevard at LaSalle Court Mall (crossing on LaSalle Boulevard)

Staff will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of LPIs and continue to explore opportunities to treat additional intersections with LPIs in the future.