What are Crossrides?

Crossrides are a type of pavement marking in which provides a designated space for pathway users (pedestrians and/or cyclists) to cross an unsignalized intersection, with the right-of-way over vehicular traffic. Cyclists are permitted to proceed through a crossride without dismounting, which is not permitted at other types of crossing treatments such as crosswalks. 

Crossrides have become increasingly popular in Ontario upon research and endorsement from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). MTO has issued guidance on their use under publication Book 18 Cycling Facilities, which can be found here. For tips on safe usage as a pathway user, see the Safety Tips section here. 

Crossrides are marked through "elephant feet" white painting, typically 400mm by 400 mm (0.4 meter by 0.4 meter) in size (see Figure 1), which outline the boundary for pedestrians and cyclists to cross within. They are accompanied by bicycle, pedestrian, and directional stencils (markings) to identify use and direction of travel. 

There are different types of crossrides to facilitate the different types of facilities that have crossings. 

  1. Separate crossride, provides a separate crossing space for cyclists and pedestrians
  2. *Combined crossride, provides a cycling crossing on both sides of a pedestrian crosswalk
  3. *Mixed crossride, provides a shared-use crossing for both cyclists and pedestrians

*These locations are currently in use in Tecumseh. See Existing Locations section for more information. 

Figure 1: Sample Mixed Crossride

 In Tecumseh, both mixed and combined crossrides types are used since pedestrians and cyclists are mixed in the multi-use pathway approaches. These types allow cyclists and pedestrians to operate in a shared space through the entire width of the crossride, which in accordance with MTO's guidance that the arrangement of pedestrians and cyclists in a crossride should align with the arrangement on the approach to the crossing. 

What to Look for at Crossrides

As a Pathway User (Cyclist or Pedestrian)

When approaching a crossride, there are various aspects to be aware of as a pathway user (cyclist or pedestrian).

As Vehicular Traffic 

Vehicular traffic should be aware of path crossing signage when commuting along a roadway where an in-boulevard cycling facility (Multi-Use Pathway) crosses a minor street with a setback crossing. Vehicular traffic is required yield to pathway users crossing through the intersection. 

Safety Tips 

Similar to a crosswalk, pedestrians should stay within the crossride limits as they are marked and avoid using electronic devices while crossing. While motorists are required to yield to crossride users, pedestrians and cyclists should always ensure it is safe to cross prior to proceeding through the intersection.

Some common scenarios that may arise when approaching a crossride and safety tips are shown in the below drop-down list. 

(1) Cars turning right and cyclists proceeding straight through crossride

(1) Cyclists should always check for approaching vehicles looking to turn right onto an intersecting street through a crossride. Proceed with caution and be sure that vehicles yield before using the crossride. Motorists should always check over their right shoulder blind spot for cyclists approaching the intersecting road on the pathway and prepare to yield prior to completing a right turn. 
(2) Cars turning left and cyclists proceeding straight through crossride

(2) Cyclists should always check for approaching vehicles looking to turn left onto on an intersecting street through a crossride. Proceed with caution and be sure that vehicles yield before using the crossride. Motorists should always check for a safe gap in traffic and approaching cyclists approaching the intersecting road on the pathway and prepare to yield before making a left turn.
(3) Cars approaching a stop at a crossride as cyclists proceed through crossride

(3) Cyclists should look to see if a vehicle is approaching the intersection and ensure the vehicle makes a full stop before proceeding through the crossride. Motorists should always come to a complete stop at a stop bar, and if needed, proceed into a crossride to gain a better sightline when it is safe to do. 

Crossride Locations in Tecumseh

Existing Locations

Crossrides exist at the following locations in Tecumseh:

  • Along the Riverside Drive Multi-Use Pathway (Mixed Crossride)
  • Intersection of Tecumseh Road East and Arlington Boulevard (Combined Crossride)
  • Intersection of Brighton Road and Old Tecumseh Road (Mixed Crossride)

                                                  Combined Crossride                                                                                                    Mixed Crossride

      

New (Upcoming) Locations

  • Lesperance Road
    • south of County Road 22 (EC Row Expressway) to County Road 42 as part of the Town's Lesperance Road Multi-Use Path Project (Construction Commencing Summer 2024)