New crosswalk signal near Clark College is first of its kind in Vancouver

A new “hybrid” crosswalk that combines a red signal beacon and signs is alerting drivers to pedestrians along Fort Vancouver Way near Clark College, the City of Vancouver said Tuesday.

The “high-intensity activated crosswalk” is the first of its kind in Vancouver. It’s expected to command more attention than a traditional yellow-light signal.

When activated by pedestrians using a button, the signal moves through the following steps:

  • First, the overhead becon’s flashing yellow light changes to a solid yellow light.
  • Then,the light changes to a solid red, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop.
  • Next, a flashing “Don’t Walk” symbol is displayed to pedestrians, while drivers see a flashing red signal indicating they may proceed with caution.
  • Finally, the pedestrian beacon becomes dark and remains that way until activated again. Drivers are not required to stop when the beacon is dark.