May 19, 1998

  To:Urban Environment and Development Committee

 From:Interim Functional Lead, Transportation

 Subject:Traffic Control Signal Operation

Eglinton Avenue West and Ennerdale Road

 York-Eglinton: Councillors Rob Davis, Joe Mihevc

 Purpose:

 To respond to a request to review the existing signal time provided for pedestrians to cross Eglinton Avenue West at Ennerdale Road.

 Funding Sources:

 Not applicable.

 Recommendations:

 It is recommended that this report be received for information.

 Background:

 On February 3, 1998, Councillor Joe Mihevc wrote to the Urban Environment and Development Committee requesting a staff report on the operation of the traffic signals on Eglinton Avenue West at Ennerdale Road, to determine whether the existing time provided for pedestrians to cross Eglinton Avenue West is appropriate.

 Discussion:

 Eglinton Avenue West at its intersection with Ennerdale Road is approximately 15.2 metres wide. Based on the average walking speed for the majority of adults, which equates to 1.2 metres per second, a pedestrian requires 12.7 seconds to cross Eglinton Avenue West. In areas where we have identified a high percentage of pedestrians with slower average walking speeds, such as senior citizens, we provide time for pedestrians to cross the road at a walking speed of 1.0 metres per second (or less). At this walking speed, a pedestrian requires 15 seconds to cross Eglinton Avenue West. This is the time which is provided for pedestrians to cross Eglinton Avenue West at all times of the day. In addition to this timing, an additional six seconds of clearance time (amber and all-red indications) provides an added level of safety.

 Observations of pedestrian crossing activity at the subject intersection did not disclose any difficulties for pedestrians. A total of 235 were observed crossing Eglinton Avenue at this location during a typical weekday midday period. Of these pedestrians, the longest time taken to cross Eglinton Avenue West was 15 seconds. This maximum time was required by four people (who were seniors) of the 235 pedestrians. The green time provided enables pedestrians to cross the roadway comfortably.

 In October, 1996, the "Flashing Don't Walk" display was installed to enhance pedestrian safety. The purpose of the "Flashing Don't Walk" display is to warn pedestrians who have entered the crosswalk that the green signal is about to end but they have sufficient time to complete their crossing in comfort. This display also warns pedestrians who have not entered the roadway that they should not enter and should wait until the next green display. The combination of the "Walk" and "Flashing Don't Walk" displays are equivalent to the traffic signal green time. The introduction of the "Flashing Don't Walk" display did not reduce the overall time provided for pedestrians to cross Eglinton Avenue West or Ennerdale Road.

 A review of the Toronto Police Service collision records between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 1996 disclosed 20 collisions at this intersection. Two collisions involved pedestrians. In one collision, the pedestrian was crossing Eglinton Avenue West from the south side and was struck by an eastbound motorist within the intersection. In the second collision, three pedestrians were struck in the intersection crosswalk when a westbound motorist "ran a red signal". In all cases, the pedestrians involved received minor injuries. No pedestrian collisions were the result of insufficient walk times.

 Conclusions:

 Based on the above information, the existing pedestrian walk times provided at the intersection of Eglinton Avenue West and Ennerdale Road are acceptable.

Contact Name:

 Jacqueline White, Acting Manager

Central Traffic Region

(416) 397-5021

 D. P. Floyd

Interim Functional Lead, Transportation

 Reviewed by Barry Gutteridge

Commissioner, Works & Emergency Services