City traffic signage confusing

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/07/2013 (4659 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg must be the most confusing city in North America for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to navigate. Some signalled intersections offer up first a flashing “Don’t walk” signal, followed by a solid “Don’t walk,” then a yellow traffic light.

The next intersection might just display the flashing “Don’t walk” followed only by the yellow traffic light. There is absolutely no consistency as to either the timing of the pedestrian signals or their delay before the yellow.

If you’re downtown, you are probably navigating in the safest environment. There, you will be blessed with countdown pedestrian signals, which leave no question as to when the traffic light will turn yellow.

Perhaps a City of Winnipeg traffic engineer will read this letter and offer up an explanation regarding the inconsistency of pedestrian signals at controlled intersections, or better yet, commit to a standardization.

I’ve seen too many vehicles running red lights when their drivers are relying on the pedestrian signals to make their driving decisions.

TERRY CALOF

Winnipeg