The City of Deux-Montagnes has announced the installation of four new rapid flashing pedestrian crossings along Chemin d’Oka, a move aimed at improving safety for pedestrians travelling through some of the municipality’s busiest residential and recreational sectors.
According to information released by the city, the newly installed crossings are equipped with rectangular rapid flashing beacons, highly visible warning lights designed to alert motorists and cyclists when a pedestrian is crossing or preparing to cross the roadway. Pedestrians can activate the lights by pressing a button before entering the street.
The four new crossings have been strategically placed in areas that attract significant pedestrian traffic, particularly families, students, and park visitors. The locations are:
- At the corner of Grand-Moulin Street, near Parc du Centenaire
- At the corner of 14th Avenue, near École des Mésanges
- At the corner of 16th Avenue, near the Dairy Queen commercial area
- At the corner of 26th Avenue, near Parc Armitage
City officials say the installations are part of ongoing efforts to make local streets safer and more accessible for residents of all ages.
Chemin d’Oka is one of the main arteries crossing Deux-Montagnes and sees a steady flow of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic throughout the day. During school hours, weekends, and the warmer months, the corridor becomes especially active as families access parks, businesses, and nearby neighbourhoods on foot or by bicycle.
The addition of rapid flashing beacons reflects a growing trend across municipalities in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada, where enhanced pedestrian crossings are increasingly being adopted as a practical safety measure. Studies conducted in North America have shown that flashing pedestrian beacons improve driver awareness and increase the likelihood that vehicles will yield to pedestrians at crossings.
The crossing near École des Mésanges is expected to be particularly important during school arrival and dismissal periods, when children and parents regularly cross Chemin d’Oka. Meanwhile, the crossings near Parc du Centenaire and Parc Armitage aim to improve access to recreational spaces frequently used by residents during the spring and summer seasons.
The commercial sector near 16th Avenue, which includes restaurants and businesses such as Dairy Queen, also experiences high foot traffic, especially among teenagers and families during evenings and weekends.
In its public notice, the city also issued an important safety reminder to pedestrians. Officials emphasized that even with the new flashing systems in place, pedestrians should always establish eye contact with motorists and cyclists before crossing in order to ensure they have been seen.
Road safety experts often stress that technology and infrastructure improvements work best when combined with cautious behaviour from both drivers and pedestrians. While flashing beacons increase visibility, attentiveness from all road users remains essential in preventing accidents.
The project forms part of broader municipal efforts seen in many Quebec communities to encourage active transportation while improving safety standards around schools, parks, and commercial corridors. Enhanced crossings are considered especially valuable in suburban municipalities where wide roads and steady traffic can create challenges for pedestrians attempting to cross safely.
Residents have generally welcomed the initiative on social media, with many parents expressing appreciation for the added safety measures near schools and parks.
The City of Deux-Montagnes has not indicated whether additional flashing pedestrian crossings will be added elsewhere in the municipality in the near future, but the latest installations signal a continued focus on pedestrian safety and accessibility throughout the community.
