Roads, Parking and Traffic

Traffic Safety

Within the City of Burlington, we work to carry out and maintain safe and effective measures for the safety of all road users, including driver, cyclists and pedestrians.

Pedestrian crossovers and crossing guards

Learn about pedestrian crossovers and crossing guards, including:

What makes a pedestrian crossover different from a normal crosswalk
The role of crossing guards in the community
How to become a crossing guard
How to request a crossing guard
How to provide crossing guard feedback

Protected Bike Lanes and Intersections

Learn about protected bike lanes and intersections, including:

Cross-rides, cycle tracks and protected intersections
Dedicated bicycle signals
Protected bike lane winter maintenance
How to use protected bike lanes

Speeding and aggressive driving

Learn about speeding and aggressive driving and how you can encourage safe driving habits and lower vehicle speeds on neighbourhood streets.

You can also learn about:

HRPS' Community ROAD WATCH Program
How to request a digital speed driver feedback sign
Traffic calming

Traffic signals

Traffic signals are for the safety of road users. Burlington's signalized intersections are controlled using a central traffic signal system.

Report a traffic signal issue

You can report a traffic signal issue by submitting an online request to Service Burlington or by contacting us at 905-335-7777 or city@burlington.ca.

About our traffic signal system

Our traffic signal system maintains and coordinates adjacent traffic signals and is based on a number of factors including:

Direction of major traffic flow
Distances between traffic signals
Posted speed limit
Time of day
Volume of traffic

Pedestrian signals

Pedestrian signals give pedestrians a safe way to cross intersections where there is not a lot of pedestrian activity or that activity does not happen often. To activate a pedestrian signal, pushi the button. This makes sure the "Walk" signal is displayed when it is your turn to cross. It is still important to be cautious of drivers whenever you cross an intersection.

The "Walk" signal shows a walking figure and lets pedestrians leave the curb and enter the roadway.
The "Don't Walk" signal shows a flashing hand and gives enough time for pedestrians who are already in the roadway to finish crossing. Please do not start crossing the roadway from the curb if you see a flashing hand signal, as there may not be enough time for you safely to safely cross.

Accessible pedestrian signals

Accessible pedestrian signals (APS) help visually challenged people safely cross an intersection through the installation of audible and/or tactile measures.

Accessible pedestrian signals:

Show where a pedestrian signal pushbutton is located
Indicate the beginning of the "Walk" signal and indicate when signals change via sound prompts
Provide directions through raised arrows on pushbuttons, voice announcements and tactile indicators located along the intersection's curb ramp. The ramp defines the pavement edge and direction to travel

Benefits

The benefits of accessible pedestrian signals include:

Assisting people living with vision loss by providing an alert of when the "Walk" signal begins
Alerting pedestrians when it is not safe to cross during the "Don't Walk" signal
Reducing crossing delays

Pedestrian Signal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If the flashing "Don't Walk" signal appears and I am only halfway across the intersection, do I still have enough time to cross safely?

If you see the "Don't Walk" signal before you have entered the roadway, do not cross the intersection. Wait for the next "Walk" signal.

If the "Don't Walk" signal appears when you have already begun to cross the roadway, the signal will allow you enough time to safely cross the road.

If I am a slow walker, will I still have enough time to get across?

The timing of pedestrian crossings is typically calculated using a walking speed of 1 to 1.2 metres per second, a comfortable walking speed for the average person, including children and seniors. When crossing, you may see the flashing "Don't Walk" signal but there will be enough time for you to finish crossing.

If you have an issue at a specific intersection, please contact us at 905-335-7777 or city@burlington.ca and describe the location and nature of your issue.

Why doesn't the "Walk" signal appear every time the traffic signal turns green?

In many intersections across the city, the "Walk" signal only appears when you push the button. This button is usually located on a post near the intersection. Always press the pushbutton before crossing the intersection to give yourself enough time to cross.

Street lights

To report a burnt out or damaged light or other issue with streetlights, you can submit an online request with Service Burlington or contact us by phone at 905-335-7777 or by email at city@burlington.ca.