Overview

Speeding and driver behaviour are major concerns for residents within Ottawa. Each year, numerous inquiries are received in pursuit of traffic calming measures to address these issues. Unfortunately, permanent roadway modifications are not always a viable solution. Some locations of concern may not meet the necessary criteria for permanent modifications or in certain instances, the impacts of such modifications are undesirable.

The Temporary Traffic Calming Measures (TTCM) Program facilitates the installation of effective, low cost traffic calming measures that are temporary and/or seasonal in nature. These are quickly and easily installed and can be easily modified where applicable. TTCM offer safety solutions for areas that often do not meet criteria for permanent roadway modifications.

Temporary Traffic Calming OptionsTraffic calming measures currently considered as part of the Temporary Traffic Calming Measures Program are the following:
  • Speed display devices (permanent or temporary)
  • Pavement markings such as, but not limited to, speed limits, “School/École”, “Slow/Lent”
  • Thermoplastic Symbols
  • Flexible centreline signage
  • Cycling delineators
  • Warranted Gateway Speed Limit Signs (40 km/h or 30 km/h)
  • Community entrance signage
  • Permanent “Slow Down for Us” signage
  • Planters on local streets to create chicanes
  • Flexible posts to create bulb outs or chicanes
  • Warranted Pedestrian Crossovers (PXOs).

Many permanent measures affect the drainage of a roadway and are subject to a detailed design beyond the scope of the TTCM Program. However, some permanent measures may have fewer impacts and can be constructed following a standard drawing and on-site review. Public consultation in the form of a petition will be required prior to the installation of any permanent measures.

The following measures may be considered on a case-by-case basis as part of the TTCMP and will be subject to the same location restrictions identified in the City’s Traffic Calming Design Guidelines:
  • Improvement of minor roadway deficiencies in rural areas
  • Permanent Speed Humps or speed tables
  • Median narrowing islands or pedestrian refuge islands.

New temporary measures will continue to be explored, and piloted. Those that fit within the scope of the program will be added on an on-going basis.
Flex Stakes and Delineators
Examples of Thermoplastic Symbol
Hover over for Symbol names
Example of a Speed Display Board
Planter Boxes
Slow Down For us Signs
Edge Line Marking
Examples of Various Pavement Markings
Flexible posts to create bulb outs or chicanes

Roundabouts

What is a roundabout?
A modern roundabout is a circular intersection that does not have traffic signals. It is designed to maximize safety and minimize traffic delay.​
  • Low speed on approach
  • Approaching vehicles yield to traffic already in the roundabout
  • Vehicles drive counter-clockwise and always to the right of the central island
  • Low speed on exit
  • Continuous movement of traffic

​Pedestrians
Roundabouts are often safer for pedestrians than intersections that use traffic signals. At a roundabout, a pedestrian only has to cross two sections of one-way traffic, which is moving at slow speeds. A pedestrian crossing at an intersection with signals must deal with vehicles turning right or left on green, and turning right on red. Some vehicles run the red light, which may result in injuries or fatalities for pedestrians.

At a roundabout:
  • Look and listen for approaching traffic. Choose a safe time to cross from the curb ramp to the median opening.
  • Walk on the sidewalk/path at all times.
  • Never cross the circular roadway to the central island.
  • Cross at the designated crosswalk.
  • Look in the direction of the oncoming traffic and wait for an acceptable gap before entering the crosswalk.
  • Proceed to the splitter island (median) and use as a refuge. Look in the direction of oncoming traffic and wait for an acceptable gap before crossing.

Cyclists
Well-designed, low-speed, single-lane roundabouts should be easy for cyclists to use.
  1. Ride as if operating a motor vehicle — at the same speed. When riding in a bike lane or on the shoulder, merge into the travel lane before the bike lane shoulder ends. Obey the same driving instructions as vehicles. It is generally safest to claim the lane. Don't hug the curb, ride close to the middle of the lane and be cautious of drivers' blind spots.
  2. Dismount and use sidewalks and crosswalks. Some roundabouts have a ramp that leads to a shared bicycle–pedestrian path, which runs the perimeter of the roundabout. If there is no shared path, obey the signs, dismount and walk your bicycle.

Motorists 
Making a right turn
  1. Unless posted otherwise, use the right lane if there are multiple approach lanes and turn on the right-turn signal.
  2. Reduce your speed.
  3. Keep to the right of the splitter island.
  4. Allow cyclists to enter the roadway in front of you.
  5. Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk or waiting to cross. Be prepared to stop if a pedestrian is already in the crosswalk.
  6. Move up to the yield line and wait for an acceptable gap in traffic. Do not enter next to someone already in the roundabout, as that vehicle may be exiting at the next exit. (If another vehicle is stopped at the yield line, do not stop on the crosswalk. Keep the crosswalk clear for pedestrians).
  7. Enter the roundabout when there is an adequate gap in traffic within the circular roadway.
  8. Within the roundabout, do not stop except to avoid a collision; you have the right-of-way over entering traffic. Keep to the right of the central island and travel in a counter-clockwise direction.
  9. Do not overtake other vehicles and cyclists.
  10. Keep to the outside of the circulatory roadway within the roundabout and continue to use your right-turn signal as you exit. If there are multiple exit lanes, use the right-hand lane.
  11. Maintain your slow speed until you have passed the crosswalk. Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk or waiting to cross and cyclists on the road as you exit.​

Making a left or U-turn (exiting more than halfway around the roundabout)
  • Follow the same steps from 1 to i (see above).
  • When you have passed the last exit before the one you want, use your right-turn signal and continue to use your right-turn signal through your exit. Maintain a slow speed.
  • Watch for leading or adjacent vehicles on the outside (for multi-lane roundabouts) that continue to move around the roundabout.

Moving straight through 
  • Follow the same steps from 1 to 9 (see above).
  • When you have passed the last exit before the one you want, use your right-turn signal and continue to use your right-turn signal through your exit. Maintain a slow speed.
  • Watch out for leading or adjacent vehicles on the outside (for multi-lane roundabouts) that continue to circulate around the roundabout.  

PXO (Pedestrian Crossovers)

What is a Pedestrian Crossover?

Pedestrian Crossovers are designated areas that allow pedestrians to safely cross roads 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.