City to test ‘senior safety zones’ on Ave. Holland

Peter Black, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

peterblack@qctonline.com

The first of a planned 43 zones to reduce traffic risks to seniors is to be installed on Ave. Holland at the intersection with Rue Barrin, where the YWCA building is located.

While not giving reasons why this particular sector was chosen for a pilot project this summer, the announcement made earlier this month said the zone would include “the addition of a pedestrian signal and a bench, road markings, geometric adjustments and signage. It will allow for testing of the concept before further implementation elsewhere in the area.”

According to the city, the criteria for a senior safety zone includes “the density of people aged 65 and over, the incidence of collisions involving elderly pedestrians, and the major sources of travel for this clientele.”

Using these parameters, city officials define 43 sectors around the city that “represent more than a third of the residences of this clientele.”

The city announced the $10-million program in November; then, staff embarked on the process to identify target zones. According to Mayor Bruno Marchand, the city got the idea for senior traffic zones from a similar program in New York City.

In a statement, Marchand said, “It is essential for us to implement measures to protect this clientele and other more vulnerable road users. In New York City, where we drew our inspiration, this type of development has reduced senior pedestrian fatalities by 25 per cent – that’s a major achievement.”