Vancouver students call for traffic safety improvements near high school

Two high school students are calling for improved traffic safety around their school after their classmate was struck by a speeding car last year.

Road safety improvements had eventually been installed outside of Vancouver’s Lord Byng Secondary School after the incident. However, Victoria and Minsung say the nearby intersection still lacks proper sidewalks and safe crossings.

“Especially during school times and during rush hour, it’s really scary to be crossing that street,” Victoria said.

“Even if they’re putting in the new sidewalk, stuff is still pretty scary because our school is by a really busy area.”

In January 2024, a 15-year-old student suffered “serious and life-altering injuries” after she was hit by a car while crossing West 15th Avenue near Wallace Street, the Vancouver Police Department said at the time. The City of Vancouver later closed the median to traffic and installed concrete barriers to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians.

The students say their early attempts to raise concerns about the unsafe intersection were met with confusing communication from the Vancouver School Board (VSB).

Their principal later connected them with district staff, and they say they now feel heard.

“We’re going to start talking to the city about what we can do to help prevent this accident from happening in other schools, not just our school,” Victoria said.

The pair hopes planned upgrades move forward, saying last year’s crash has left students anxious about safety.

The VSB says it continues to work with the city on improvements at the intersection.