New B.C. Traffic Sign
Capital Bike has learned of a new standard traffic sign in the B.C. catalogue. Here’s what it looks like, and how we learned of it:
If you’re a regular commuter from the West Shore to Esquimalt or downtown Victoria, you’ve probably encountered a new intersection on the E&N Rail Trail at Seenupin Road, that gives access to new developments in the Esquimalt First Nation lands.
Unfortunately, the contractors installed “Cyclists Dismount and Walk” signs for the crosswalk at that intersection, which being on the E&N Rail Trail is a busy cycling route.
The British Columbia Active Transportation Guidelines stipulate that traffic controls should be applied in a consistent manner and reduce user delay. Capital Bike wrote to our contacts at the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, pointing out that requiring cyclists to dismount and walk is inappropriate and does not conform to the province’s own guidelines. It’s also inconsistent with similar intersections (e.g., where the Galloping Goose crosses Tillicum Rd.).
We believed there was no barrier to the Ministry installing a sign allowing cyclists to ride as per section 183 of the MVA, which states cyclists “must not, for the purpose of crossing a highway, ride on a crosswalk unless authorized to do so by a bylaw made under section 124 or unless otherwise directed by a sign.” The ministry agreed, saying they were aware of the issues around requiring cyclists to dismount, and that the Seenupin and E&N intersection is a “unique situation that requires a better solution.” The traffic engineering group developed the new traffic sign as a result.
The ministry will be replacing the “Cyclist Dismount” sign with the new “Cyclists May Use Crosswalk” sign along with bicycle signals at that intersection “as soon as possible.”
Now that it’s in the standard sign catalogue, we understand that anybody in the province can ask for it, but the ministry said its use is subject to strict approval requirements where there are specific constraints (e.g., limited right of way width that prevents separated cross walk and cross ride).
We’re pleased that our outreach to colleagues within the provincial government have resulted in a respectful and cordial relationship and that the voice of cyclists is being heard, and we thank them for being proactive on active transportation policy.
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See you on the bike paths!