Photo by Whitehorse Star
Coun. Laura Cabott
Lower speed limit closer to reality
City council has passed first and second readings of the bylaw to reduce speed limits on downtown streets from 50 kilometres per hour to 40 km/h.
City council has passed first and second readings of the bylaw to reduce speed limits on downtown streets from 50 kilometres per hour to 40 km/h.
The 30 km/h speed limit for school zones will remain at 30.
“If the Traffic Bylaw amendment is passed, new speed zone signs will be installed and an education and communications campaign will be prepared to raise awareness of the new speed limit changes,” says the administrative report presented to council Tuesday evening.
“It is anticipated that the speed limit changes could be in place by mid-July 2021.”
Coun. Laura Cabott said paring the speed limit is one way of dealing with the safety issues downtown.
“There is no question reducing the speed limit downtown will save lives,” she said.
Cabott said statistics show that 20 per cent of pedestrians struck by vehicles travelling 50 km/h will survive.
By comparison, 70 per cent of pedestrians struck by vehicles travelling 40 km/h will survive, she said.
Coun. Steve Roddick noted the RCMP have an interest in seeing the speed limit lowered.
The proposed bylaw includes an increase in the city budget of $6,500 to cover the cost of the new road signs and the development of a public education campaign.
Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar
In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.
Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.
Comments (44)
Up 1 Down 0
Amazed on Jun 2, 2021 at 3:48 am
I was totally amazed at having 13 pages of doggie clippers to choose from on Amazon. I had struck out locally and so these pages looked pretty good. I'm happy to say shipping was free and prompt, no parking tickets, no speed limits, no rise in blood pressure. Go ahead clog her up all you want to; you will be by-passed.
Up 6 Down 0
The mayor of Crazy Town... on May 31, 2021 at 6:55 pm
Sorry Dogman but I do not give countenance to your dogma... The intention is to turn 2nd Avenue and downtown more generally into a Granville Island like strip mall fantasy shopping district... The store owners rely on those 2nd Avenue parking spots - Nobody wants to walk a block to shop. That’s crazy!
Up 25 Down 2
Wouldn’t it be on May 31, 2021 at 4:22 pm
Wouldn’t it be amazing if the elected mayor and council actually listened to the people that voted for them?? From the comments I’m reading it appears that the majority are against lowering the speed limit. I do wonder why the city didn’t send out a survey to all Whitehorse residents to find out if they wanted the speed limit lowered. My bet is not!!
Up 25 Down 4
Dogman on May 31, 2021 at 1:59 pm
A reduction in the speed limit may save people once they are struck by a vehicle, but will do little to prevent accidents in the first place.
The issue is Line of Sight. Period. Speed has nothing to do with it. Prevent people from parking along 2nd Avenue. It is almost impossible to see a pedestrian stepping out onto crosswalk because of the large vehicles parked DIRECTLY in front the crosswalk. And as a pedestrian, you can't actually see oncoming traffic until you're already IN the darn crosswalk.
This isn't rocket science. How many parking spots would we lose by restricting 2nd Avenue parking? A few dozen max? And in return we beautify the strip and DRAMATICALLY increase safety for EVERYONE.
Up 17 Down 3
Groucho d'North on May 31, 2021 at 9:51 am
It would appear that the City is raising a cash cow rather than a solution to speeding. I predict there will be introductory speed traps to familiarize drivers with the new speed limits.
Up 5 Down 18
Nathan Living on May 30, 2021 at 9:59 pm
We need this to ensure public safety. We need enforcement to make it work.
Facebook warriors who speed should be caught and fined.
Up 17 Down 7
Hur dur on May 30, 2021 at 1:26 pm
Weird seeing the right wingers clamoring for more government intervention and additional taxes.
Photo radar does not work for safety. Full stop. It does not make any roads safer that is why it's sold as a revenue generator not a safety device.
Prove it works for safety, show us the studies showing it works and is effective towards making roads safer. Until that day, no photo radar under the guise of safety.
Up 34 Down 1
North_of_60 on May 30, 2021 at 1:05 pm
The biggest problem is traffic congestion caused by not having left turn arrows at ALL major intersections.
Council ignores this issue and will not give any valid reasons for not installing left turn lights.
Up 14 Down 2
Bandit on May 30, 2021 at 9:13 am
@Jim
FYI most of the Bylaw Cop Wannabees are on TAs acting as Covid (CEMA) Cops, that gives them more of a a sense of authority rather than (not) answering complaints from citizens, instead they stalk anyone requiring to self-isolate or patrolling the parking lots looking for the odd traveler that may need to get some supplies before heading up or down the AK highway.
Up 23 Down 3
What a horrible idea! on May 29, 2021 at 7:55 pm
We do not need speed limits closer to reality... We need leaders who are closer to reality!
Up 33 Down 3
Jim on May 28, 2021 at 8:44 pm
Whitehorse seems to have lots of money to spend on city palaces while the infrastructure around them crumbles and doesn’t keep pace with the growth we have happening. Our population is increasing and we have done nothing to improve traffic flow or pedestrian awareness. Apparently we have hired a traffic consultant that one can only assume finished at the bottom of their class.
So now our solution is to lower the speed limit so that accidents will be more survivable for the pedestrian. That’s the best solution the people we voted for could come up with? Where will this be in 5 or 10 years? How about instead of building your fancy offices, spend our money on modernizing the road ways. And for the love of god, stop pushing for our bylaw cop wannabes to do traffic stops. Next they would want guns too.
Up 25 Down 3
Gene Brown on May 28, 2021 at 4:24 pm
So.........tell me, what good is it going to do to lower the speed limit when the RCMP already DO NOT enforce the speed limit that is already in force? I have sat at Tim Horton's parking lot a hundred times and not seen one RCMP cruising up and down 2nd avenue and I have also seen idiots going up and down 2nd Ave. at 50 plus miles per hour. Unless you enforce it, it will do nothing just like the 30kms per hour already does. JMHO
Up 18 Down 6
How disappointing on May 28, 2021 at 4:22 pm
It's a bandaid at best. I think of the town I grew up in, that was faced with the same problem. Council had to commit to spending millions of $$ and years to re-do the downtown in order to accommodate increased traffic, OR find ways of reducing the number of vehicles. They came up with a 5 year plan to do the latter, and people freaked of course.
First step - students could no longer drive to and from school. Second step - combined increased parking fees and improved transit service. Third step - closed off 2 major streets to traffic, became pedestrian only (with a few spots allocated to handicap parking and loading). Next step was one way traffic on most downtown streets. Etc., etc., I visited a few years ago, and was pretty impressed with how traffic moved (at a steady but 'slower' pace). And yeah, people hated each and every step along the way, but quickly became used to the changes, which were supported by enforcement - tickets and small fines for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.
I'm not saying this would work here, but speeding, congestion and traffic are a big problem, and need big ideas to solve
Up 21 Down 11
K Gards on May 28, 2021 at 2:58 pm
Lowering the limit will do squat. RCMP have more important things to focus on than speeding. Photo radar is the only way.
Up 29 Down 11
Oya on May 28, 2021 at 11:52 am
Dumbest idea EVER. Let's put a band-aid on a broken leg and pat ourselves on the back for fixing the problem. Ya right.
I'll be the first to admit I'm an impatient driver and this town already moves WAY too slow for me. This new measure will create more traffic problems than we already have and will add to the congestion (not to mention that it is also guaranteed to put my blood pressure through the roof) while NOT fixing the problem. Only enforcement can do that.
If you plan to run for mayor in October, be prepared to answer exactly how you voted on this idiotic initiative. If you voted for it, you will not be getting my vote for sure. Politicians should listen to the people. Why aren't you listening to the people, CoW? Why aren't you reducing the number of crosswalks instead?
Up 26 Down 5
Just Sayin' on May 28, 2021 at 9:25 am
Statistics show that 100 per cent of pedestrians struck by vehicles travelling 0 km/h will survive. As such, let's eliminate vehicles altogether and require that people walk to work.
Please note sarcasm. I am very much against changing the speed limit. I would rather educate pedestrians to not step out onto a road unless a vehicle has noticeably slowed down or is stopped. I would also rather educate drivers to drive as fast as conditions will safely allow.
Up 17 Down 11
Another thought on May 28, 2021 at 8:45 am
I do believe By-law could set up speed traps and start ticketing speeding drivers. That would bring in revenue for the city which is a win-win for everyone. Speeding drivers would get ticketed and the city makes money. No brainer!!
Up 16 Down 6
BnR on May 27, 2021 at 8:58 pm
From the Motor Vehicles Act:
189-No person shall create or cause the emission of any loud and unnecessary noise from a motor vehicle, any part thereof, or anything or substance that the motor vehicle or a part thereof comes into contact with. S.Y. 2002, c.153, s.189
How about enforcing that? The number of obscenely loud motor vehicles is getting ridiculous.
More selective enforcement.
Up 9 Down 8
Vern Schlimbesser on May 27, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Just sitting here, searching for the truth, and maybe a little understanding, and it hit me;
YTG and the City are in cahoots. They are widening and straightening the Alaska Highway along side the airport at the cost of $50 or so million, while at the same time the City is reducing lanes and slowing the traffic flow downtown.
It is currently faster to get from Hoge street to WALMART by going up and around the airport than by negotiating fourth Avenue. Soon it will be faster to get there from Main.
The whole thing is completely apparent when you take the 'birds-eye-view' of traffic flow. The question now is WHY? What is between Main and MacDonalds the Government doesn't want us driving by? Or is it to save wear and tear on 2nd Avenue new pavement? Or....is it City Hall....ahhh!
Up 13 Down 5
Charlie's Aunt on May 27, 2021 at 4:08 pm
Is this going to be 24/7? Busy & business times it won't make much difference with already congested traffic, but there are times it is ridiculous. Drove downtown in evening 3 times this week; not much traffic and few pedestrians in critical areas. The pedestrians that were out were clearly visible when wanting to cross because of low traffic volume.
Up 29 Down 5
Ridiculous on May 27, 2021 at 3:51 pm
This will not fix the issue at all as those that speed will speed no matter what the signs are and the RCMP are so short staffed they'll never be able to keep up with enforcement anyways. You know what this will succeed in doing??? It is going to grind traffic even slower and the morning commute traffic jam is going to be exacerbated even more.
We need to increase the flow of traffic to an efficient level if you want to support the current population (which is growing and the infrastructure is already unable to support it). Why not bring back 4 lanes on 4th avenue to relieve some of that clogging, add an advanced turn light for the left turn off 2nd avenue at Ogilvie street and build actual PEDWAYS for pedestrians to cross at safely. Way to waste our tax dollars on different signs that won't change a thing, our government is run by buffoons.
Up 38 Down 3
Anie on May 27, 2021 at 3:01 pm
Why is Whitehorse so opposed to turn lanes and advanced green lights for turning? It would make a huge difference to traffic movement and probably ease the frustration that too often causes people to drive irresponsibly. Yet, for at least the last 30 years, the engineers at the city won't even consider it. Are they afraid that if driving isn't fraught with problems then too many people will drive? Is this their way to get everyone on bicycles ? Well, it's not working! Maybe its time for certain people who have held the city back for so long to finally retire or move on in their careers and make room for new outlooks. This is probably the only city in Canada with a 30k population and 1970's traffic systems.
And to the bumpkin who wants older people tested more frequently - any stats to back up your allegations? No, didn't think so. Ageism is a dangerous bias because, if you are very lucky, you will become your stereotype
Up 21 Down 9
Have you considered raising the speed limits? on May 27, 2021 at 2:59 pm
One of the issues that strikes me with pedestrians (he he he), is that they feel it's okay to walk in front of vehicles because, "Oh they'll slow down in time."
If we look at the last few incidents involving pedestrians, they have been pedestrians walking in front of vehicles BEFORE the vehicle has stopped. "Oh, they see me, good enough, they'll stop in time." With faster speed limits, vehicles would move quicker, reduce congestion, and increase visibility.
Additionally it would stop pedestrians from walking in front of moving cars.
Again, I ask if the COW has looked at the CAUSE of the accidents.
Up 9 Down 4
Max Mack on May 27, 2021 at 1:29 pm
@Woodcutter
Please point out where I made any reference to communism. Total deflection and ad hominem, but I guess what ever works for you. Right?
Truth is, this is just the start. Next will be lowered speed limits in all residential areas and all arterial roads.
The city is wanting radar enforcement. Believe you me, speed limits are being engineered to generate cash later on.
Up 26 Down 7
McD on May 27, 2021 at 12:00 pm
@Wilf
Why stop there. Let's put cameras in everyone home, starting with yours to ensure you are compliant with all laws.
The solution is simple and sounds unpopular at first blush;
Roads are for cars.
Sidewalks are for people.
Fewer pedestrian crossings on Whitehorse's major thoroughfare is the answer. We don't need 4 crosswalks at every intersection. Halving the number of East/West crosswalks makes the most sense. Having (using Elliot as an example) a crosswalk on the north side and one one the south side 5 meters away is a dangerous situation on a 4 lane road with no turning lanes.
Both motorists and pedestrians must be acutely aware (hint they currently aren't) 100% of the time. I don't recall in 50 years anyone ever getting run over on the sidewalk in Whitehorse so it's only when pedestrians enter the street (legally or otherwise) where the accidents happen. The onus is on BOTH parties to make sure crossing traffic is safe. A pedestrian 'assuming' safety by arm pointing and walking into traffic will only end disastrously for them.
Up 25 Down 1
Resident on May 27, 2021 at 11:54 am
The City can't enforce this. They can set the limit but enforcement is done the RCMP. The City does not hold the RCMP contract and therefore cannot set police priorities. They can ask nicely but YTG can override any request.
Your City MLAs are happy to let Council take the heat. Complain to your MLAs, they're in charge here.
Up 8 Down 24
Wilf Carter on May 27, 2021 at 11:32 am
Heavier fines and more police to help is the only thing that works. Radar camera's that are mobile works. Conceal them in different types of boxes. City Parking Meter people can set them up and move them but police can issue the tickets from their offices using camera's.
Up 14 Down 24
John D on May 27, 2021 at 9:28 am
@At home in the Yukon are you kidding me, a brighten up campaign.. trying to shift blame to pedestrians from drivers who are going too fast and not paying attention and running lights.
Slow moving city... downtown is maybe 3 km across so 50->40 km would mean literally one extra minute of driving time across town. You aren't that important if one minute isn't worth saving someones life, maybe just try leaving on time.
The solution to me to to have some actual enforcement, until that happens it won't matter that you make the rules because people won't follow them.
Up 31 Down 5
Bandit on May 27, 2021 at 9:04 am
I agree with the 40km/hr speed limit but in order to address an already congested downtown core The COW needs to install advance turn signals at EVERY light in the city. That would do a couple of things, 1 - traffic would flow smoother/faster and it would help more than 1 or 2 cars get through (and holding up the traffic behind them) 2 - it would eliminate the need for the 2 or 3 red light runners that in turn slow down the flow of those that actually have the green light. And find the funds to enforce the laws.
Up 10 Down 6
Woodcutter on May 27, 2021 at 8:11 am
You ok max? Just worried the worm of extremism got you seeing communist creeping in as the speed limit drops.
Up 19 Down 6
Hur dur on May 27, 2021 at 7:34 am
In big cities, elementary schools and school zones have large fences to keep the children from running onto the street. It's very effective. The maintenance is minimal and has a very long life.
Perhaps the pedestrians of Whitehorse should be treated like children. Run a chain-link fence down the centre of the entire road from KFC to the Klondike or run 2 along the sidewalks. Take away the ability to jay walk in high-traffic areas. This is not a complex or new problem that cities have never seen before.
Maybe new council members who aren't addicted to consultants? Maybe a mayor who isn't using the job as the bottom run of a career ladder?
Up 31 Down 4
Kris on May 27, 2021 at 6:06 am
This measure is a joke. 40km is a ridiculously slow speed limit. Add a little enforcement and common sense. Fix the traffic congestion coming in to town. People are going 10 or 20 under the limit already. Start ticketing drivers for distracted driving. Actually enforce jaywalking laws. People that just jump in front of drivers expecting them to stop is rampant. This is an ineffectual attempt to garner the idea that council is actually doing anything. No public opinions or suggestions are actually considered.
Up 23 Down 3
RealTown on May 27, 2021 at 5:38 am
Let's go for 20 that oughta fix everything.... I agree with some of the comments that refer to the existing vehicular flow issues downtown. It's a real problem, bumper to bumper for many blocks. If the City is not enforcing the 50 km limit why would the the 40 be any "safer"? Slowing down movement to 40 many seem innocuous but I wonder if 50 was already reasonable. We know the safety issue arises from careless driving and certainly careless pedestrian movement. What can you expect when pedestrians are walking out into full traffic without any checking or care with what traffic may be coming. Why doesn't the City clean up these two issue first?
Up 19 Down 9
bonanzajoe on May 26, 2021 at 8:46 pm
Maybe it's the younger ones that need an annual driving test. It seems they are the ones who do most of the hot rodding with their noisy mufflers.
Up 17 Down 5
Matt on May 26, 2021 at 5:13 pm
To me this is perfect. Next step 20 km/hr and followed by reverse driving only so the whole place go backward.
50 km is 30 mph....which is roughly the same speed as a turtle that is tuckered out, but the difference being the turtle is a better driver than many of the dips on the road.
Up 28 Down 4
Wes on May 26, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Why bother? Speed limits (or any other traffic law) aren’t enforced here.
50kmh is perfectly reasonable, but the de facto speed limit downtown is more like 60-70kmh. Alsek and Lewes in Riverdale are a race track in the evening.
Why does the city even bother? It’s a joke, but none of us are laughing.
Up 31 Down 3
Mitch on May 26, 2021 at 4:23 pm
I also would like to see the stats on how many accidents are caused from speeding vs pedestrian carelessness. I have seen many pedestrians not stop and look before crossing or looking down at their cell phone. I was taught you look before you cross ensuring the drivers see you and are stopping. if we are going to lower the speed limit to punish drivers, let's add a bylaw that requires pedestrians to stop before crossing, no jaywalking, and they are not allowed to be texting or other distracting behavior when crossing.
Up 39 Down 11
At home in the Yukon on May 26, 2021 at 3:38 pm
Would a 40 km speed limit save lives? Probably, but it'll make Whitehorse a really slow-moving city.
But if we really want to save pedestrians' lives, we could have a "brighten up" campaign. Dark clothing is the norm, especially in the dark of winter. If the city handed out reflective tape, if the city brought the issue of pedestrian visibility to the fore, it would save more lives. (Oh, and more controlled crosswalks would be helpful.)
Up 19 Down 19
Bingo on May 26, 2021 at 3:32 pm
Ladies and Gentleman the problem is solved....
Up 40 Down 29
Max Mack on May 26, 2021 at 3:26 pm
These fake humanitarians can't disappear soon enough. They, and their ideologically twinned city planners, are determined to turn Whitehorse into a cesspool of congestion, pedestrian/cyclist entitlement, and San Fran/LA-style policies.
I predict the changes will do nothing to curb pedestrian fatalities, and may actually worsen the situation. More pedestrians and cyclists encouraged to do whatever they want . . . that should end well.
CoW is not interested in your safety. What it wants is your revenue from radar enforcement. Reducing speed limits is a prerequisite to catching more "speeders".
This is where it all leads.
Up 51 Down 17
yukongirl on May 26, 2021 at 3:26 pm
Just one more reason to avoid downtown. Won’t be going much past Walmart or Superstore after this. It took me 30 minutes to get down Mountainview to the hospital a few weeks ago. I don’t need that hassle when I can order most things online and get them delivered.
Up 25 Down 52
JSM on May 26, 2021 at 3:02 pm
What happened to looking both ways before you cross? And maybe mandatory bi yearly testing on the elderly to make sure they are fit to drive as well? Old people really should not be behind the wheel in general. Probably doesn't help having all the stoners flying around too trying to get to MacDonalds or wherever.
Up 54 Down 12
Can this question be answered... on May 26, 2021 at 2:53 pm
How many accidents have been from speeding vs other causes?
I mention this because downtown already travels at 40km/h. The problem is sightlines and congestion. Speed reduction is going to slow traffic, increase congestion, and make it harder to see pedestrians darting through cars. I know what the goal is. Make downtown a horrible experience so that more people choose alternative forms of transport. Problem is, we're not choosing to come downtown, it's simply where we work/go to school/shop.
The question again, "How many of the accidents downtown involve speed?"
You're addressing the tree instead of the forest
Up 74 Down 5
Jayne W on May 26, 2021 at 2:48 pm
I will follow the speed limits no matter what they are, BUT.....folks who speed when it was 50 km/h are still going to speed when it is 40 km /h. How are these speed limits going to be enforced? They were not enforced before, so what is going to change here? It is unfortunate we do not have the resources for the RCMP to spend a week with the radar gun and ticket away. I bet they will find a few without insurance, driver's license, impaired while they are at it. Good revenue generator too.