Road design, safety and Vision Zero

[nms]

I've noticed that the Region seems to be rolling out changes to signalized pedestrian crossings where pedestrians get 5-10 second head with the walk signal to cross while cars remain with a red light.

This is a leading pedestrian interval. I seem to recall them having this years ago, say 2021 even. Also it was never 5-10 seconds it is more like 2-3 seconds. The intent is it is long enough for peds to step off the curb and get visible in the intersection without being cut off by right turning drivers.

I have no idea how well they work in practice. I kinda worry they will encourage more red light running.

During my most recent stop at Erb & Father David Bauer the leading pedestrian interval was definitely longer than 2-3 seconds. Counting slowly, I got to 5 or 6 before the light turned green.