Edmonton Journal.com: Cheeky Whyte Ave road signs a success

Mock roadside signs with cheeky safety slogans could spread to other parts of Edmonton after they were hailed a success on Whyte Avenue. During a seven-week campaign by the City of Edmonton in the summer, black and yellow signs were posted between 102nd Streets and 105th Streets. Officials hoped their eye-catching and irreverent messages - “Watch out for this guy” and “She doesn’t see you” encouraged safety among mostly young drivers, cyclists and pedestrians on the busy strip.

A survey of 300 people in Old Strathcona suggests 89 per cent of people remembered the signs. “We’re very encouraged by the results,” said Gerry Shimko, executive director of the city’s office of Traffic Safety, in a news release. He said the signs’ slogans sank in.

“Results show that 80 per cent of of those asked, said the signs’ main message was to be more careful, to be more aware of pedestrians and to be more attentive while behind the wheel.” Traffic collisions on Whyte Avenue were going up, while traffic volumes remained the same, city officials said in August. The traffic safety office will study the Whyte Avenue project and decide where and when the next campaign takes place. Most survey respondents suggested placing them at every intersection, playgrounds, schools and in the downtown.