What is a Pedestrian Crossover?
Pedestrian Crossovers are designated areas that allow pedestrians to safely cross the road, where vehicles must yield to pedestrians when crossing. Pedestrian Crossovers are identified by specific signs and pavement markings. In some cases, but not always, they may also have pedestrian activated flashing beacons.

At Pedestrian Crossovers equipped with flashing beacons, pedestrians may push a button to make the beacon flash to enhance driver’s awareness that they will be crossing.
It is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules at Pedestrian Crossovers.
Infographic – all road users
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Pedestrian Crossover Locations
Pedestrian Crossovers will be installed on low speed, low to medium volume roads, and at most roundabouts.
Existing locations are available on open data in both a list and map format.
Responsibilities of Pedestrians
- Make an indication that you want to cross and ensure drivers see you before you cross.
- Cross only when traffic has come to a complete stop and it is safe to do so.
- Refer to “Roundabouts and Median Divided Roads” Section below for more details at these locations.
Infographic – pedestrians and cyclists
Responsibilities of Drivers
- Watch for and prepare to stop at Pedestrian Crossovers.
- Wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road (curb to curb) before proceeding.
- Vehicles must not pass any other vehicle within 30 metres prior to a Pedestrian Crossover.
- Refer to “Roundabouts and Median Divided Roads” Section below for more details at these locations.
Infographic – drivers and cyclists
Responsibilities of Cyclists
- When operating as a motor vehicle, cyclists will face the same responsibilities and fines as drivers – the new law requires cyclists to stop and yield the whole roadway to pedestrians.
- When crossing with pedestrians, follow rules for pedestrians: dismount and walk your bike across the road.
- Refer to “Roundabouts and Median Divided Roads” Section below for more details at these locations.
Infographic – drivers and cyclists
Infographic – pedestrians and cyclists
Roundabouts and Median Divided Roads
Pedestrian Crossovers have been installed at most roundabouts in Ottawa. Where the PXO sign is installed, pedestrians have the right of way over vehicles.
At roundabouts and roads with center medians, marked pedestrian crossovers are treated as two stage crossings with the median or splitter island providing a pedestrian refuge. For vehicles passing through a Pedestrian Crossover at these locations the driver may proceed once the pedestrian has fully crossed their lane of traffic (i.e. curb to median). They do not have to wait for the pedestrian to cross the whole roadway.
Infographic – roundabout
Pedestrian Crossover VS Pedestrian Crosswalk
Pedestrian Crossovers are a type of traffic control, which are devices that regulate the movement of traffic. Other traffic control types include Stop signs, Yield signs and traffic control signals. All types of traffic controls have legal requirements for road users and are identified in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. Where there is such a traffic control device, the term crosswalk refers to the painted markings on the road. It is typical for all controlled crossings to have a crosswalk. Forms of crosswalks are typically found at intersections, midblock locations, roundabouts and channelized right turns.
Fines
Drivers and cyclists will be fined up to $1000 with 4 demerit points for failing to yield for pedestrians at pedestrian crossovers.
Cyclists can be fined $85 for failing to dismount and walk their bicycle when crossing a pedestrian crossover.
Pedestrians can be fine $35 for leaving the curb or other place of safety at a pedestrian crossover and walking, running or moving into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impracticable for the driver of the vehicle to stop safely.
New Location Requests
Pedestrian Crossovers are managed by the Transportation Services Department. Requests for Pedestrian Crossovers are directed to Traffic Services staff for review and consideration. The review consists of an assessment of the location through a warrant process established by the Ministry of Transportation.
Please submit requests for new Pedestrian Crossover locations, or feedback on existing locations by contacting 3-1-1 (TTY 613-580-2401).
We want to hear from you
Please provide your feedback on the Pedestrian Crossover Pilot Program by contacting 3-1-1 (TTY 613-580-2401) or pedestriancrossover@ottawa.ca