Discussions

Motorists please be aware of pedestrians at crosswalks. Several times I’ve been at crosswalks and nobody stops. Even in -30 weather we’ve had! I’m afraid to step off the boulevard even with traffic a ways away because people don’t seem to be paying attention.

I ask in return that pedestrians use common sense also and not expect drivers to see them in the middle of the night and walking across the street in hopes a car sees u

Come up here a fair amount its a little more complicated than just drivers not paying attention yes some don't, some just don't care, and lots don't have a clear understanding of the rules, I may be wrong but shortly you will hear diferant versions of the rules its always been a topic for debate on here, whether you are required to stop at unmarked intersections for pedestrians, your best bet is to be alert trust no one, and be sure the drivers sees you is aware and has time to stop before you put your self in harms way, because dead maimed or paralyzed being in the right wont mean much if your life is changed forever or cant be fixed your the responsible for your safety don't put it in some random driers hands there so many distractions and bad information and just bad drivers .

and please when a city bus stops don't just think it is picking up people. one stopped for a small child on 18th and 3 cars went rushing past and almost hit the child. Two of the cars changed lanes from behind the bus. everyone was at the next red light at park.

Pedestrians please GO when cars do stop for you. Nothing more annoying than stopping and then the person just stands there. If you don't want to cross-dont stand on the curb as if you do intend to cross.

Pedestrians need to put their arm out indicating they want to cross. Nothing is more frustrating then seeing a pedestrian on the curb and when you stop they don,t go !!!  
 
And the law for motorists is that all, all intersections are cross walks if the sidewalk continues on the other side of the street, MARKED AND UNMARKED, CARS MUST STOP

All pedestrian X-walks are marked with signage with or with out lights. What you are confused about is the flashing light crossing devices. Your also confused about intersections with or with out signage or traffic control control devices. Yes you do stop and give way to pedestrians at all marked pedestrian X-ings. At intersections with out traffic control (signage or lights) traffic has the right of way and pedestrians wait to cross when safe to do so. There is No Law requiring to stop at intersections where you have the right of way. One more thing, it's not law but rather the Manitoba Highways Act

better check you drivers hand book.  
Pedestrians have the right of way at ALL intersections where the sidewalk continues on the other side of the street.  
 
Just look back at the other treads there were about this and the excepts that were posted here

Here is a link to an article,(and an excerpt) the Winnipeg Free press wrote about, quoting the highway traffic act.  
 
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/34798939.html  
 
"The existence of special pedestrian corridors conveys the impression that here only pedestrians have the right of way. The law makes it clear the motorist must give way to the pedestrian at any intersection whether marked or not by lights."  
 
Also in the highway traffic act, once a pedestrian is in the roadway they have the right of way, ALWAYS.  
 
From, C.C.S.M. c. H60 The Highway Traffic Act:  
 
"crosswalk" means  
 
(a) that part of a highway at an intersection distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by a traffic control device or by lines or other markings on the surface thereof, or  
 
(b) that part of a highway elsewhere than at an intersection distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by a traffic control device and by lines or other markings on the surface thereof, or  
 
(c) that part of a highway that is i:ncluded within the straight production across the roadway, directly and not diagonally  
 
(i) of the lateral lines of the sidewalk on either side of any roadway intersecting or meeting the highway, or  
 
(ii) of the lateral lines of any sidewalk that intersects or meets the highway on either side thereof,  
 
measured, in each case, from the kerb, or in the absence of kerbs, from the edge of the roadway on which the crosswalk is situated, and i:ncludes a pedestrian corridor: (« passage pour piétons »)

are not drivers and don't know the rules in a Drivers Handbook therefore most do not know they are to put their arm up indicating they want to cross.  
But there is no excuse for a driver notto stop, as the pedestrian always has the right of way at UNMARKED INTERSECTIONS !

They may not know to put their arm up....but what excuse do they have for not crossing when traffic does stop for them? Please do not tell us that they do not know to cross.  
 
I guess that is why so many stand and wait while the walk sign flashes, then decide to step out and cross after the do not walk sign comes up and the light turns red for them? I see this almost daily in downtown Brandon. They don't know what the walk/don't walk symbols mean?

Axes_Up said "I ask in return that pedestrians use common sense also and not expect drivers to see them in the middle of the night and walking across the street in hopes a car sees u "

Just because it's a crosswalk pedestrians can't expect a car to stop on a dime when you first put one foot on the road..

Definition of sidewalk from the MB "LAWS".  
 
 
"sidewalk" means a footpath, whether or not paved or improved, that is intended primarily for the use of pedestrians and that either  
 
(a) forms part of that portion of a highway that lies between the kerb line or, if there is none, the lateral boundary line, of the roadway and  
 
(i) the adjacent property lines, or  
 
(ii) the straight production of the adjacent property lines to the kerb line or if there is none, to the lateral boundary line, of an intersecting highway, or  
 
(b) although not part of a highway, is a publicly maintained right-of-way, set aside for pedestrian traffic only and for the purpose of giving access to property adjacent thereto: (« trottoir »)  
 
http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/h060e.php  
 
When you combine the definition of sidewalk with the definition of crosswalk in the MB law, then a crosswalk is almost any intersection, but not limited to. There is also a section in there that sates that any local bylaws may not over rule the MB Highway Traffic Act.

Six of one and a half dozen of another,  
A lot of pedestrians are just as dumb as the drivers who don't stop.  
 
I will bet that a lot of pedestrians are on their phone texting like the drivers.  
 
And here is another note: pedestrians can be and have been fined for distracted walking !

Thanks for the info.  
 
You stated: "once a pedestrian is in the roadway they have the right of way, ALWAYS." Do you know, does "ALWAYS" apply to jay walking, or crossing against a traffic control device, or crossing diagonally, or is that just if a pedestrian is in a crosswalk?

" Always" only applies to intersection and not J walking,,, however are you going to mow them over because they are breaking the law ??

One thing that I cant understand, and I've been seeing this more and more lately here in Brandon, is where people get the idea of stopping on green lights to let pedestrians cross the street. It just an accident waiting to happen if the driver in the next lane over isn't paying attention and the pedestrian starts crossing the street, defiantly on busy streets like 18th and Victoria and that's were I've seen people do it.

How many I have seen cross at a set of lights because the light is green. But if they looked where they were suppose to, the light is on not to cross, but they do anyway, just because the light is green.  
 
Pay attention to the lights for the walk and do not walk. Not the lights for vehicles.

All these posts about this issue have me confused when I see a pedestrian now lol  
 
Today I was wondering about this actually. Driving down Park Ave, there was a pedestrian wanting to cross. I didn’t stop but should I have?? I noticed the 2 cars behind me didn’t stop either so I just assumed I did the right thing but now I’m thinking not.  
 
So going down this street for example, a driver could potentially be stopping every block if a pedestrian is wanting to cross? I just assumed the pedestrian would cross when it was safe to do so. All that stopping seems more dangerous?  
 
PS. Don’t yell at me!! I’m just asking lol

Common sense and the law both agree here. Two wrongs don't make a right. If a pedestrian illegally crosses a roadway he immediately has right of way over vehicle. ie if you don't do everything reasonably possible to avoid hitting him you may be charged. The pedestrian may be ticketed as well but really its easy just use some common sense.  
 
30 seconds late = a persons life, I don't think so.

sammy said "All these posts about this issue have me confused when I see a pedestrian now lol     Today I was wondering about this actually. Driving down Park Ave, there was a pedestrian wanting to cross. I didn’t stop but should I have?? I noticed the 2 cars behind me didn’t stop either so I just assumed I did the right thing but now I’m thinking not.     So going down this street for example, a driver could potentially be stopping every block if a pedestrian is wanting to cross? I just assumed the pedestrian would cross when it was safe to do so. All that stopping seems more dangerous?     PS. Don’t yell at me!! I’m just asking lol "

If the posts are contradicting, follow the link to the MB law. It basically states that every intersection and crossroads is a pedestrian corridor and you must stop. Please don't just take my word for it, visit the government site.

Not always do pedestrians have the right of way. I know someone who was hit by a vehicle crossing the street and they were found at fault and were fined because they crossed on a green light. Plus they spent some time in the hospital on top of it.

At a uncontrolled intersection the vehicle with the through traffic has the right of way and a pedestrian has to wait till it is safe to cross. Once the pedestrian enters into / onto the street / intersection they now have the the rt of way. You don't just stop just be cause someone is standing at or near the corner of the street/intersections - but you do use caution as people do unpredictable things and you may have to stop suddenly.

Lowkey said "At a uncontrolled intersection the vehicle with the through traffic has the right of way and a pedestrian has to wait till it is safe to cross. Once the pedestrian enters into / onto the street / intersection they now have the the rt of way. You don't just stop just be cause someone is standing at or near the corner of the street/intersections - but you do use caution as people do unpredictable things and you may have to stop suddenly. "

You are absolutely wrong. Please read the Manitoba law, if a pedestrian is at an uncontrolled intersection and has indicated they are crossing you have the same obligation to stop as if there were lights flashing at a marked corridor. This is exactly what the article from the Winnipeg free press was referring to, as I previously posted above.  
 
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/34798939.html  
 
"The existence of special pedestrian corridors conveys the impression that here only pedestrians have the right of way. The law makes it clear the motorist must give way to the pedestrian at any intersection whether marked or not by lights."  
 
Edited by Ms Tequilla, 2018-01-23 19:42:02

that people are still getting this wrong. even after line and verse is posted to the Mb traffic web site.  
and dont believe what the newspapers have written as they are written by reporters that may not include all the details and paragraphs from the Traffic act.  
 
no wonder the roads are so dangerous these days, with pedestrians, cars, cyclists all on a different page.  
 
there has got to be a better way.

I was right. Just went through the whole tracific act that was added. Go read...  
139(2) - pedestrian observe safety measures.  
140(1) - pedestrian yield right of way  
141(4) - duties of pedestrian  
141(1)b - must signal hand extension to notify their intention to cross  
 
I also rear the free press attachment. I guess everyone did not read that part that says - once the pedestrian enters the roadway.  
So there you go. If someone who dose not signal their intention to cross the street with a full arm extension they have to wait until it's safe to cross.  
It was a good read.

So from now on, At uncontrolled crosswalks, I will only stop for the pedestrian if they are already on the street (obviously lol) or if they have extended their arm Indicating that they want to cross? Otherwise, they will wait until it’s safe to cross?  
 
This makes the most sense to me because then you don’t have cars stopping all the time for people who aren’t even crossing or don’t want to cross yet. This seems safest for all involved as it involves a clear communication between drivers and pedestrians and nobody is left guessing what the other person is gonna do  
 
Now to just get the cars behind you to quit honking when you let a pedestrian cross....

JessieJay said "They may not know to put their arm up....but what excuse do they have for not crossing when traffic does stop for them? Please do not tell us that they do not know to cross.     I guess that is why so many stand and wait while the walk sign flashes, then decide to step out and cross after the do not walk sign comes up and the light turns red for them? I see this almost daily in downtown Brandon. They don't know what the walk/don't walk symbols mean? "

I have hesitated to cross when a vehicle has stopped for me before...because I noticed the vehicles in the other lane had no intention of slowing down. Or, the vehicle behind the car that stopped is changing lanes and about to pass through. I hesitate because I'm afraid someone is going to hit me. I always fear for children in this city trying to use crosswalks. The comment above about the bus stopping and people passing is something I see all the time.

Shebear said "Im gonna hear about this one probably, but oh well...Why dont they put a camera in the cross walk area it would catch people inlcl those who speed through..like at the McDonalds cross walk with lots traffic....And say other high traffic areas. "

Who is going to monitor this camera?  
 
Personally I would rather have the police working on crime, drugs and impaired drivers.

I should have clarified this is at marked crossing by the hospital on Victoria. I do not expect traffic to stop at unmarked intersections. I have gotten even partway across, to the boulevard and waited for traffic coming from opposite side to cease. It’s ridiculous, sometimes. Obviously I am trying to cross the street if I’m already in the middle, should not need to signal my intent by then to get to the other side. I also am a motorist, so I understand both sides. Yes I know people are busy, but PAY attention!