Initiative to hold bricks across the road to scare drivers

Canada At crosswalks in the Granville Island and West End areas of Vancouver, people are encouraged to carry a brick with them as they cross.

“This solution is very effective because drivers will stop to let someone cross the street when they see someone in need of a brick,” said Mihai Cirstea, a volunteer with Vision Zero Vancouver, who said the initiative was inspired by people in other Canadian cities waving flags while crossing the street.

This is an initiative by the non-profit organization Vision Zero Vancouver to call on the government to upgrade infrastructure with the goal of reducing casualties from traffic accidents.

Accordingly, on both sides of the road, next to the pedestrian crossing area, Vision Zero Vancouver will place boxes of foam bricks that look very similar to real bricks with a sign "Take one and let the driver see it".

The initiative was an instant hit, shared widely on many social media platforms. Vancouver residents said that when they crossed the street with bricks, they always saw cars slowing down.

Initiative to cross the road with bricks — Vancouverites experiment with brick-holding initiative to cross the street safely. Source: *Vision Zero Vancouver*

Vision Zero Vancouver members say they are still waiting for feedback from the city.

Vancouver residents say more needs to be done to improve pedestrian safety in busy areas like Anderson Street, the main thoroughfare into the island. Despite overpasses and warning signs, the brick initiative has been met with support.

Members of non-profit organization Vision Zero Vancouver - the group that came up with the idea of carrying foam bricks across the street in Vancouver. Photo: Vision Zero Vancouver — Members of non-profit organization Vision Zero Vancouver - the group that came up with the idea of carrying foam bricks across the street in Vancouver. Photo: *Vision Zero Vancouver*

Data from the Insurance Corporation of BC in Vancouver shows that from 2018 to 2022 there were 10 pedestrians struck while crossing the street at Anderson Street and Island Park Walk.

Claudette Abgrall, who has worked near the entrance to Granville Island for more than five years, has seen cars traveling at high speeds there.

"There are a lot of people crossing the road, including children, but drivers seem to ignore the warnings. They drive at high speed, even in areas with warning signs for people crossing the road," said Claudette.

Foam brick shelves are placed in crosswalks in Vancouver. Photo: Vision Zero Vancouver — Foam brick shelves are placed in crosswalks in Vancouver. Photo: *Vision Zero Vancouver*

Cate Simpson, a spokeswoman for Island Granville, said the unit is always concerned about resident safety issues and takes proactive steps.

In a statement, the City of Vancouver said pedestrian safety is a top priority. Over the years, they have increased the level of awareness at the intersection of Anderson Street and Island Park Walk, including green lane markings, speed bumps and a reduction in the speed limit from 50 km/h to 30 km/h.

The city is continuing to add safety features to the intersection, including pedestrian signals — although these devices can take up to two years to install due to the design and approval process.

"Our safety campaigns focus on road users' awareness and promote a culture of safety rather than creating conflict between them," the statement said.

Minh Phuong ( CBC, Globalnews )

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