City of Saskatoon enhances accessibility with touchless pedestrian signals

The City of Saskatoon (City) has upgraded 20 Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) in and around Downtown to Touchless Accessible Pedestrian Signals. 

This initiative, made possible through funding from the Government of Canada's Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, marks a pivotal step in the city's commitment to ensuring accessibility and safety for all residents. The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative was established to fund small-scale infrastructure projects to create safer, more vibrant and inclusive communities. 

 "This initiative underscores our dedication to fostering an inclusive and safe city for all residents," says Jay Magus, Director Transportation. “The City remains committed to ongoing programs that retrofit older intersections with APS devices, meaning accessibility measures are consistently prioritized.”  

APS devices play a crucial role in aiding pedestrians with visual and/or hearing challenges by providing vital auditory and vibration cues, enabling safe street crossings.  These signals employ distinctive auditory sounds— a "cuckoo" for north/south and a "chirp" for east/west directions, supplemented by voice messages at select intersections. 

Many traffic signals Downtown have automatic walk lights; however, pedestrians were required to press the button to activate the auditory cues.  With Touchless APS, the audibles can be activated by waving your hand in front of the push button.   Pedestrians can still press the button, which includes a vibrating arrow.    

This comprehensive approach reflects Saskatoon's dedication to creating an inclusive urban environment where everyone can navigate streets safely and independently. 

More information about Accessible Pedestrian Signals can be found at saskatoon.ca/pedestriansafety.