Toronto·Video
A major project is underway in York Region to change the accessible crossing sound at almost 400 intersections from bird chirping to a Canadian melody.
The sound of birds is used to help Blind people cross safely, but residents say new song is easier to identify
At many crosswalks in the GTA, a chirping sound can often be heard to indicate it’s safe to cross. However, this sound can be too similar to that of a bird, or it can be muffled by the noise of traffic. York region is working to change this signal to that of a melody at busy pedestrian crossings.
A major project is underway in York Region to change the accessible crossing sound at almost 400 intersections from bird chirping to a Canadian melody.
Each intersection has four Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) boxes, and each of those need to be programmed individually. But Nelson Costa, manager of corridors and safety with York Region, says the plan is to get it all done in time for the summer.
The region is combining the change with its usual maintenance inspections, which Costa says both reduces the cost and speeds up the process.
Local resident Jeffrey Rainey, who is blind, says he welcomes the change.
He says the new sound is louder and unmistakable for animal noise or brand jingles, making it easier to identify when it’s safe to cross the street.
CBC Toronto met with Rainey and Costa at two intersections in York Region, right as the change in tune was underway.
The change is part of the region’s Vision Zero 2024-2028 traffic safety plan, which York council approved on March 21.