Engineering Infrastructure
There are numerous engineering solutions that the City implements in order to improve safety around schools, such as:
- Crosswalks
- Curb Extensions
- Sidewalks
- Signage
- Traffic Calming
- Vegetation Clearance
Since the introduction of the Safe and Active Schools Program in 2009, the City has planned and completed many projects at or near schools:
|
Completed in 2010 |
Completed in 2011 |
Planned for 2012 |
|
| New or Upgraded Crossings | 12 |
36 |
17 |
| Sidewalks / Pathways | 3 |
8 |
4 |
| Signage | 37 |
61 |
20+ |
| Traffic Calming | 16 |
34 |
11 |
| Total Number of Projects | 68 |
139 |
52+ |
Explore a listing of planned or completed projects by school . Note that we're regularly updating this list as projects are planned and completed.
Crosswalks
A crosswalk or pedestrian signal is a marked location on a road designated for pedestrian crossing. According to the BC Motor Vehicle Act, an intersection is a legal crosswalk whether marked or unmarked, and drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
The City of Surrey employs several different forms of pedestrian crosswalks, including standard or enhanced marked c
rosswalks, activated flashing crosswalks and pedestrian signals.
City staff use nationally accepted guidelines and Council approved practices when determining what type of crosswalk, if any, to implement. Studies have shown that the over-provision of crosswalks, or their introduction at locations where they are not warranted, can lead motorists to ignore these crossings, reducing overall road safety.
Discover more on crosswalk warrant criteria.
Curb Extensions
A curb extension, or curb bulge, narrows the road, usually at an intersection, to reduce pedestrian crossing distance, increase pedestrian visibility, and define parking bays, preventing motorists from parking too close to intersections or driveways.
See details on curb extensions.
Sidewalks
Each year, the City builds several kilometres of new sidewalks through the Capital Sidewalk program. Sidewalks in close proximity to schools are given higher priority.
Get more information on sidewalks.
Signage
School Area Signs
School area signs, and sometimes 30km/h tabs, are installed on streets fronting the school property and according to a set of criteria, which includes the location of sidewalks and school entrances, fencing characteristics and road classification.
No Parking
No Parking signs are often installed in parking bays or streets along the school frontage. These signs allow drivers to stop to pick up or drop off their children, allowing more vehicles to utilize that area than if parking were permitted, thereby reducing congestion. In No Parking zones, drivers should not leave their vehicles.
See more on parking regulations.
No Stopping
No stopping signs are used to keep curb space clear for visibility and accessibility reasons—stopping to pick up or drop off is prohibited. Examples of use are at the approaches to crosswalks, at curves and intersections, and on the opposite side of the street from the school in order to discourage jaywalking between parked cars. It is often convenient to disregard these signs, but by doing so even just for a minute, children’s safety can be put at risk.
No Left Turn
Preventing left turns during peak school times allows traffic to flow without turning movement conflicts, queuing and delays.
No U-Turns
Prohibiting U-turns provides a safer environment for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Using an alternate route may add a minute or two to your trip, but it will improve safety and minimize congestion in front of the school.
Traffic Calming
Traffic calming usually consists of speed humps, speed tables, or raised crosswalks, and is intended to slow traffic. These devices have the same effect on car traffic, but we use each device in specific circumstances according to the function and type of road.
See more on traffic calming.
Vegetation Clearance
Overgrown vegetation can be a danger to pedestrians walking as they cover the sidewalks and block the safest walking routes or to drivers as they prevent clear sightlines around corners and intersections.
Did you know - it is the responsibility of the property owner to trim hedges and trees on their property that overhang or obstruct a sidewalk or walkway.
When the City becomes aware of a location that needs trimming, we are able to contact the responsible property owner to ensure that the trimming occurs.