Traffic signals

To trigger the walk phase, push the button at the intersection. Only begin crossing the road when the walking person symbol is displayed. The walking person symbol is displayed first, followed by the red flashing hand, and eventually a solid red.

What the symbols mean:

• The walking person symbol indicates you can cross the road
• The red hand symbol indicates you have to wait to cross the road

Don’t begin crossing the road when the flashing red hand is displayed. If the walking person symbol turns into the flashing red hand while you’re still crossing, you may finish crossing. You’ll have enough time before the symbol changes into a solid red hand.

At certain intersections, the flashing red hand will appear along with the countdown timer. This feature isn’t set up at all traffic lights. The City installs countdown timers at all new traffic lights and on a request basis.

What the symbols mean:

• The flashing red hand indicates you shouldn’t begin crossing the road
• Countdown timer indicates how many seconds you have left to finish crossing the street

Accessible pedestrian signals (audible signals) tell pedestrians with visual impairments when and which way to cross the road.

What the sounds mean:

• The cuckoo sound means you can cross north-south crossings
• The Canadian Melody sound means you can cross east-west crossing

A leading pedestrian interval (LPI) gives pedestrians a head start at crossing the road before other motor vehicles. The walk signal is displayed five seconds before the green traffic light for motor vehicles is triggered.

Learn more about leading pedestrian intervals.

A bicycle signal has three lenses with a stencilled form of a bike that changes from green, yellow and red. At intersections with bicycle signals, cyclists and e-scooter users must obey the signs.

Cyclists don’t need to dismount when using crossrides with bicycle signals installed.

What the colours mean:

• The green light means you can enter the intersection to cross
• The yellow light means you must stop at the stop line if you can do so safely. You must not begin crossing the road when the yellow light is on.
• The red light indicates you must bring your bicycle or e-scooter to a complete stop at the stop line

Rules and etiquette

All crossride users must follow cycling rules and etiquette, including:

• You must press the push button and wait until the bicycle signal is green before attempting to cross.
• Watch for turning vehicles to be sure the motorist can see you and is yielding.
• Maintain a speed that will allow you stop quickly in case a vehicle turns into your path.
• Don’t pass other users within the crossride.
• If pedestrians are crossing, ring your bell to let them know you are approaching and pass them with caution.
• Obey all signs and signals on site before crossing the intersection.

A leading bicycle interval (LBI) gives cyclists a head start at crossing the road before other motor vehicles. The ride signal is displayed five seconds before the green traffic light for motor vehicles is triggered.

In 2023, the City began updating signals at intersections where accessible signals are in place to include a leading bicycle interval.

Learn more about leading bicycle intervals.

Green, amber and red lights control vehicle activity on roads and intersections.

What the colours mean:

• The green light means you can turn left, go straight or turn right. When turning left or right on a green light, you must yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and approaching vehicles to avoid a collision.
• The amber light means you must stop at the stop line if you can do so safely. Otherwise, proceed with caution for pedestrians already in the intersection and incoming traffic.
• The red light means you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop at the stop line. You should not proceed until the light changes to green and the intersection is clear. A flashing red light can indicate a power outage has occurred. In this case, treat it as an all-way stop.
• A flashing red light can indicate a power outage has occurred. In this case, treat it as an all-way red stop sign.

A fully protected left turn signal controls vehicles turning left at an intersection. It is separate from the traffic light controlling vehicles going straight or turning right.

In these intersections, left-turning vehicles must obey only the fully protected left turn signals.

Fully protected left turn signals can be found installed in intersections with:

• High collision rates involving left turns
• Dual left turn lanes
• Poor horizontal or vertical alignment of the roadway

What the symbols mean

• A left-turn green arrow means vehicles can turn left at that time
• If the light turns amber while you’re in the intersection, complete your turn with caution
• When a red light appears on a fully protected left turn signal, vehicles shouldn’t turn left, even if there’s no incoming traffic. You can’t turn left when the green light appears for traffic going straight or turning right.

When the advanced green arrow is displayed, oncoming traffic remains at a complete stop.

The following conditions may trigger an advanced green arrow to appear:

• Time of the day
• Traffic volume
• Road geometrics

What the symbols mean:

• An advanced green arrow indicates vehicles can turn left
• If the green light and advanced green arrow are both displayed at the same time, vehicles going straight or turning right can proceed