The “coffee crossing” in uptown New West is getting more signage and enhanced lighting.
In May, staff recommended the crossing at Sixth and Belmont streets be upgraded to a “special crosswalk” with overhead flashing lights and illumination. Council had referred the issue back to staff because of concerns about the impacts flashing lights would have on businesses and the fear that push-buttons would give the impression that vehicles have priority over pedestrians.
After consulting with the Uptown New Westminster Business Improvement Association and the city’s advisory committee for transit, bicycles and pedestrians (ACTBiPed) and undertaking a further review of the traffic control options for the intersection, staff recommended the installation of an overhead “pedestrian crosswalk” sign and additional lighting.
“With this measure, the crosswalk would retain its current traffic control as a marked crosswalk, where approaching vehicles would yield to crossing pedestrians without the use of a push-button activation device,” stated a staff report. “It is suggested that two overhead pedestrian crosswalk signs be installed as per recognised national guidelines.”
The additional lighting at the crosswalk would provide adequate illumination for pedestrians who are crossing the crosswalk during dark conditions and also make the intersection more conspicuous.
The original proposal for this crossing was for the installation of a special crosswalk, which would have included an overhead pedestrian crossing sign with illumination and rapid flashing beacons, similar to what currently exists on Sixth Avenue in front of the public library.
Coun. Patrick Johnstone, who chairs the ACTBiPed, expressed concern about “beg buttons” that require pedestrians to get permission from the cars to enter a crosswalk they are crossing.
