Pedestrian crossovers – worth crossing the street for

Crossing a busy street can be a daunting challenge. But in many areas, the City of Ottawa has built infrastructure called pedestrian crossovers (PXOs). Pedestrian crossovers are designated areas where pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the road. Vehicles must stop for pedestrians who are crossing and wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road before continuing. Pedestrian crossovers are much like crosswalks. They are found at intersections, roundabouts and midblock, often where a pathway intersects a road. There are specific signs and pavement markings for pedestrian crossovers required by provincial regulation. Often, these are the only indications of one. However, in some cases, additional features are in place and pedestrians can push a button to activate flashing lights alerting drivers of the need to stop. But even the simplest pedestrian crossover, which consists of just signs and pavement markings, requires drivers to stop if there is a pedestrian standing at the curb. All road users have a responsibility to keep our roads safe for everyone. As a driver, regardless of what kind of vehicle you are driving or riding, you need to:

• Watch for and prepare to stop at pedestrian crossovers.
• Wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road (curb to curb) before proceeding.
• Vehicles must not pass any other vehicle within 30 metres prior to a pedestrian crossover.
• Cyclists must dismount and walk their bike across the road.

As a pedestrian, to stay safe, remember these tips:  

• Wait for traffic to stop.
• Try to make eye contact to ensure the driver sees you.

The City has more information about pedestrian crossovers online or you can watch this pedestrian crossover video. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 153 collisions involving pedestrians that resulted in a fatality or major injury. The City of Ottawa continues to make improvements to the safety of our roads with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The City’s 2020-2024 Road Safety Action Plan guides these engineering, education and enforcement initiatives. But even the safest transportation network requires that everyone follows the rules of the road. For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.  Related topics

• Pedestrian safety