The Edmonton Police Service and Old Strathcona Business Association are reminding drivers and pedestrians visiting Whyte Avenue to “watch out for one another” while enjoying the popular entertainment strip.

“With unseasonably warm winter conditions this year, foot and vehicle traffic has increased on the Avenue, also increasing the chances of pedestrian collisions,” said Const. Matthew Li, of the EPS Whyte Avenue Beats team. “Everyone must be aware that this area has high vehicle and pedestrian traffic and can become congested at certain times throughout the day.”

The constable’s remarks come on the heels of another pedestrian collision involving a 12-year-old boy last Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, which left the young male recovering in hospital from serious head injuries. Witnesses told Scona Beat members on scene, that the boy and his mother were walking eastbound across the intersection at 104 Street and Whyte Avenue, when a pick-up truck turning on to 104 Street from the west lane on 82 Avenue struck the boy.

“There have been numerous serious collisions and close calls and the stats don’t lie (see stats below),” explained Const. Li. “Furthermore, heading westbound on Whyte Avenue in the afternoon, the sun can be very bright causing visibility issues. I want to remind drivers to always proceed with caution and make sure they’re watching for pedestrians.”

With tourists and residents flocking to the popular entertainment district throughout the week, it is incumbent for everyone to “look out for one another,” said Murray Davison, Executive Director of the Old Strathcona Business Association.
“Old Strathcona is a vibrant, walkable destination and we need to help ensure that all of our guests, both pedestrians and drivers, are safe at all times,” said Davison.

“We will continue to work with the City of Edmonton and remind them of the multi-model focus of the area and the need for more crossing signals, slower speed limits, and increased enforcement/awareness.”

“In the meantime, we want to remind all area guests to be vigilant when crossing the streets in Old Strathcona and Edmonton, to slow down and be extra aware of your surroundings.”

Major Collisions Involving Pedestrians on Whyte Ave, 2008 – 2014* Year Fatal Collisions Injury Collisions Total 2008 0 20 20 2009 0 20 20 2010 0 10 10 2011 1 10 11 2012 0 16 16 2013 0 12 12 2014 1 12 13 Total, 2008 – 2014 2 100 102
*Data entry is ongoing for 2014 data

Included in that table are the following hit & runs (only injury collisions; no fatal hit & runs)

Year	Pedestrian Injury Hit & Runs
	(Included in Injury Collisions)
2008	n/a
2009	n/a
2010	n/a
2011	1
2012	2
2013	3
2014*	2
Total, 2008 – 2014	8

*Data entry is ongoing for 2014 data

Note: This data is for Whyte Avenue (82 Avenue), between 83 Street and 114 Street.