Community Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
As Kingsland has experienced a surge in population and urban activity, the dynamics of traffic and pedestrian safety have become increasingly complex. With more families moving into the area and children playing in the parks or commuting to school, both roads and sidewalks have become busier, which brings a unique set of challenges. The uptick in both traffic and pedestrians—especially near schools and in playground zones in Kingsland and area, means we need to keep an eye on how safe we all are while navigating our neighbourhood.
Areas of Concern
Areas surrounding schools, parks, and busy intersections are often the scene of accidents. There are certain hotspots in our community that need special attention when it comes to safety. Police say locations like the pedestrian crosswalks at Elbow Dr and both 75 Ave and 73 Ave are especially problematic. The most frequent complaint is drivers not coming to a stop at the stop signs causing close calls with people crossing the street. However, it’s not just the drivers; sometimes crowds of students are not always considerate of road traffic by crossing the street against the ‘Do Not Walk’ sign. Following road signs and traffic signals is a legal requirement.
It’s been said before and deserves repeating: Drivers should put away their phones, and pedestrians must remember to look before crossing the street; it’s up to everyone to pay attention. Distractions, speeding, and failure to yield/stop are major contributors to road accidents in Calgary. Add in the ever-changing weather conditions and you have a dangerous mix. Many incidents stem from a lack of awareness, whether it’s a driver not scanning for pedestrians or a pedestrian wearing earbuds and looking at a cell phone instead of looking both ways. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Calgary Police remind all Calgarians to:
• Slow down in playground zones: these zones have a maximum speed of 30 km/h from 7:30 to 9:00 pm every day.
• Watch for buses: Always be alert for children around a stopped school bus.
• Avoid distractions: While driving, do not use electronic devices, read printed material, or engage in activities that will take your eyes off the road.
• Stop and park only in designated zones: do not stop or park: within five metres of a crosswalk, in ‘No Stopping’ zones, or in designated bus zones. Do not double park.
• Never leave your car running and unattended.
• Avoid jaywalking: Use marked crosswalks and activate pedestrian crossing signals wherever possible.
• Be aware of surroundings: as a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way, look and listen before crossing the road. Avoid walking with headphones or earbuds.
Police say Calgarians can expect to see an increased presence from The City of Calgary’s Traffic Safety Team around schools/playground zones. They are there to enhance traffic enforcement, creating safer communities.
Have You Seen Them?
Those high-visibility photo radar police cars with bright green decals that clearly state “Drive Safe” parked along one of the Playground Zones in the Kingsland area? Yes, they’ve been seen in our neighbourhood.
Thank you, Calgary Police Traffic Safety Team!
It’s the season – pumpkin spice and everything nice. Happy and safe fall everyone!
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