Intersections

Information related to intersections.

Q&A - Cycle Lane Confusion in Kelowna

Cycle Lane MarkingQuestion: The City of Kelowna has a roundabout at the corner of Burtch Road and Guisachan Road that has been designed to merge the cycle lane into the sidewalk as it approached the intersection. I regularly walk in the area and am always hearing "On your left" or "On your right" from cyclists that expect me to get out of their way.

Leading Pedestrian Intervals

image of crosswalk signalWhen the light changes to green, drivers who intend to turn right or left are often focused on finding a gap in vehicle traffic to take advantage of. Pedestrians in the crosswalk are often not seen and a collision is the result. Leading pedestrian intervals are a simple walk light timing change that can help prevent these incidents.

CASE LAW - Kim v Dresser

BC Courts Coat of ArmsKonho Kim was driving his car on 108 Avenue approaching the 4 way stop at the intersection of 164 Street in Surrey. He stopped and observed a car driven by Megan Levonne approching from his left. Expecting Ms. Levonne to stop, Mr. Kim proceeded to make a right turn. The two vehicles collided in the intersection. This case determines liability for the collision and explores a driver's duty of care in the circumstances.

Q&A - Problems Turning Right at an Intersection

Q&A ImageQuestion: Here is a typical intersection in Vancouver at West Broadway and Birch in Kitsilano. Turning right is only allowed from the far right lane. However, West Broadway is packed with parked (legally, see the parking meter) cars, and if the parked car is too big and/or too close to the intersection, you don't have any room to change lanes.

VIDEO - Are Roundabouts Really Better Than a Traffic Signal?

VideoHere's another video from Road Guy Rob and this time around he's taking a look at roundabouts. He says that traffic signals are not scary but roundabouts can be, especially if you've never driven one before. Are these spinny circles really better that a traffic light or just a passing fad?

Turning Right and Blocking Traffic

image of sign permitting turning rightQuestion: I run into this issue constantly; where drivers leaving a shopping centre parking lot think it's OK to be turning right while traffic has backed up at a red light. The trouble is, they only complete that turn half way thereby blocking the ability of those using the right hand turning lane at the next intersection (starts right after the exit from the parking lot) to use that lane.

CASE LAW - St. Denis v Turner

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case arises from a two vehicle collision that occurred at the intersection of 200 Street and 62 Avenue in Surrey. It involves a car driven southbound on 200 Street, turning left onto 62 Avenue and a car driven northbound on 200 Street in the right hand or curb lane. Traffic in the left and middle lanes of 200 Street northbound was at a standstill due to congestion.

VIDEO - Protected Intersections

VideoWhile this video is titled "Making a Community Safer for Pedestrians | A Protected Intersection" it should also include cyclists with the pedestrians as it protects them too. Local stakeholders are interviewed about the rationale for picking this intersection and why the changes that have been made work to make it safer.

Turning Left Too Sharply

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case involves determining the liability for a collision at the intersection of 86 Avenue and 160 Street in Surrey. Joshua Donato had stopped for the stop sign westbound on 86 Avenue turning right onto 160 Street. Lai Quach was driving southbound on 160 Street turning left onto 86 Avenue. They collided in the intersection.