Pedestrian Crossovers – What are PXOs?

The Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 describes a Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) as any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by signs on the highway or other markings on the surface of the roadway as prescribed by the regulation. A PXO is a designated area that allows pedestrians to safely cross a roadway. PXOs are identified by special pavement markings, crossing signs and flashing lights. A per the Highway Traffic Act, vehicles and cyclists must stop, yield to pedestrians, and allow them to completely cross the roadway.

As part of Beckwith Street Phase 2 Reconstruction project, a Pedestrian Crossover (PXO) was installed on Beckwith Street immediately south of Church Street (see image below).

The Town will also be installing a PXO on Jasper Avenue at Vincent Street this fall to make it easier for residents to cross Jasper Avenue to access Lower Reach Park (see Google image below for location)

What to do at a PXO?

 Motorists:

• watch for pedestrians (includes persons in wheelchairs or assistive devices) at existing and new PXO’s and be prepared to stop before entering the crossover;
• only proceed through the crosswalk after pedestrians have cleared the entire roadway;
• it is illegal to pass any other vehicle within 30 metres of the crosswalk.

Pedestrians:

• if the crosswalk has a flashing beacon, press the button to activate the amber flasher;
• do not leave the curb or sidewalk or other place of safety at a pedestrian crossover and walk, run or move into the path of a vehicle that is so close to the crossover that they can’t safely stop before entering the crossover
• cross only when traffic has come to a complete stop;
• make eye contact with the driver;
• indicate you want to cross before entering the crosswalk.

Cyclists:

• only proceed through the crosswalk after pedestrians have cleared the entire roadway
• it is illegal to pass any other vehicle within 30 metres of the crosswalk
• cyclists using the crosswalk must dismount and walk the bike across the roadway