How does that joke go again… why did the brick cross the road?
During a beautiful April Fool’s Day on Granville Island, pedestrians were seen carrying objects that bore a striking resemblance to bricks as they navigated through the famously busy intersection of Anderson Street and Island Park Walk. The bricks were actually props distributed by the local pedestrian safety advocacy group Vision Zero Vancouver and were used to raise awareness about road safety. Onlookers noticed signs strategically placed at crosswalks, guiding pedestrians on ways to enhance their visibility to drivers.
The instructions included:
- Picking up a brick from a designated spot
- Ensuring to look in both directions
- Making deliberate movements while crossing the street
You know, just the regular procedure.
Vision Zero Vancouver
The Vision Zero Vancouver initiative is about actively spreading awareness regarding road safety, with the goal of influencing local and regional authorities to implement changes in traffic regulations to reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities to zero. The group had been planning months before to install the bricks and thought April Fool’s Day would be the perfect opportunity to launch. And while their prank got more than a few good laughs on social media, it brings to light a long-standing issue in Vancouver.
The Importance of Road Safety
Disturbing statistics from the Insurance Corporation of B.C. shed light on a pattern at that same intersection. From 2018 to 2022, 10 collisions were recorded at this location, resulting in five severe injuries or fatalities. According to 2016-2020 ICBC data, on average, about 1,500 pedestrians are injured in 2,000 crashes yearly.
Police data from Vancouver indicates that between 2014 and 2020, a total of two cyclists and 51 pedestrians tragically lost their lives in traffic incidents. These figures highlight the pressing need for comprehensive road safety reforms to protect vulnerable road users against fatal accidents and serve as a wake-up call for authorities to prioritize road safety initiatives and work towards creating a safer environment for everyone on the streets.
In response to the high incidence of accidents, the city has committed to introducing additional safety measures, such as installing flashing pedestrian signals. However, due to complex design considerations and approval processes, installing these features might take up to two years in some areas. While these measures are crucial steps toward enhancing road safety, the community is eager to see more immediate actions being taken to prevent further tragedies.
The people have been vocal in calling for enhanced safety protocols, prompting multiple requests for improvements to be made in their neighbourhoods. The voices of the community are fundamental in advocating for safer streets and pushing for changes that prioritize the well-being of all road users.
Until then, consider picking up a fake brick.
References:
Carrigg, David. 2024. “Cyclist killed in afternoon traffic in east Vancouver.” Vancouver Sun, April 17, 2024. https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/cyclist-killed-in-afternoon-traffic-in-east-vancouver.
CTVNewsVancouver.ca. 2024. “Vancouver crime: Senior killed in hit-and-run | CTV News.” CTV News Vancouver, March 6, 2024. https://bc.ctvnews.ca/suspect-arrested-after-senior-killed-in-hit-and-run-vancouver-police-1.6797649.
Holliday, Ian. 2024. “Vancouver crash seriously injures high school student | CTV News.” CTV News Vancouver, January 30, 2024. https://bc.ctvnews.ca/15-year-old-student-left-with-life-altering-injuries-after-vancouver-crash-police-say-1.6749079.
“ICBC and police warn that pedestrian fatalities more than double in fall and winter.” 2022. ICBC. https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/2022-oct04.
Thayaparan, Arrthy. 2024. “Vancouver’s Granville Island pedestrians urged to pick up a brick to boost crosswalk visibility.” CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/granville-island-pedestrian-safety-crosswalk-1.7160751.
Turner, Allie. 2023. “Vancouver pedestrian death sparks road safety outcry.” Vancouver Is Awesome, April 12, 2023. https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/local-news/fatal-pedestrian-crash-sparks-public-outcry-safety-changes-intersection-6843903.
