Since April 18, bicycles can now cross intersections using pedestrian lights, unless otherwise indicated. This provision is one of the new provisions introduced last year in the Highway Safety Code (HSC), which come into force this spring. Of course, this measure comes with conditions: first, come to a complete stop, as at a stop sign (before the stop line or equivalent), and give priority to pedestrians. It is in this spirit that Vélo Québec and several other organizations have been promoting this measure. The idea is to legitimize a widespread practice without compromising the safety and comfort of pedestrians.
When we put forward this idea, we argued that cyclists' safety would be improved if they could leave an intersection ahead of cars and heavy vehicles. In this way, they would be well seen by vehicle drivers, as would pedestrians in such circumstances.
In 2017, as a prelude to the amendment of the CSR, the Société d'assurance automobile (SAAQ) took care to survey the public on the possibility of allowing cyclists to use the pedestrian light to find that social acceptance was there. It must be said that this was already possible in certain situations, in the presence of a specific traffic sign, thereby demonstrating that cohabitation between pedestrians and cyclists at intersections is possible.
There's no doubt that being able to use a pedestrian light on your bike is a step forward, an advantage. But it's also an advantage that comes with a responsibility: the responsibility to look out for pedestrians, big and small, young and old. It's a great opportunity to apply the principle of caution to those smaller and slower than ourselves!
Have a good trip!
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager