It happened in a flash.
A young woman riding her bike in Calgary was turning left on a green light. A driver trying to beat the red light, clipped her rear wheel, sending her flying into the air. Thankfully, she survived, but not without serious injuries to her head and spine. Sadly, countless others do not make it.
Across Alberta and Canada, intersections are where some of our most preventable tragedies happen. But here is the good news: we now have the knowledge — and realworld proof — that better design, may dramatically reduce these collisions.
Two recent sources — a Canadian study on Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCIs) published in Accident Analysis & Prevention, and the YouTube video “RCIs Save Lives: How Protected Intersections Work”, by Not Just Bikes — make a powerful case: rethinking how we build intersections, may save lives.
What are RCIs and Protected Intersections?
While they serve similar goals, RCIs (Reduced Conflict Intersections), and Protected Intersections, address different safety challenges:
- RCIs (Reduced Conflict Intersections) focus on rural or high-speed roads. Instead of crossing or turning left onto a highway, drivers first turn right, then make a U-turn at a designated median. This design dramatically reduces T-bone collisions and dangerous high-speed conflicts; and
- Protected Intersections, more common in urban areas, are designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind. These include😮 Setback crossings that improve visibility;
o Concrete islands to slow turning vehicles;
o Dedicated bike signals; and
o Raised crossings to indicate pedestrian priority.
In both designs, the goal is the same: reduce confusion, eliminate blind spots, and force vehicles to slow down where it matters most.
Real-World Impact: The Numbers Do Not Lie
The University of Calgary analyzed over 53,000 crashes across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. After installing RCIs at 9 intersections in Saskatchewan, researchers saw a 40% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes.
Protected intersections are also saving lives internationally. In the Netherlands, where these designs are widespread, cyclist fatality rates are five times lower than in Canada.
We already know these designs work. The question is: why aren’t we using them more?
Real Lives Changed Forever by Unsafe Intersections
Unsafe Intersections are not just engineering diagrams — they are the sites of heartbreak and irreversible change:
- A 19-year-old cyclist in Lethbridge was killed after a driver ran a red light;
- A 12-year-old boy in Edmonton, hit in a painted bike lane, now lives with a spinal cord injury; and
- A senior in Calgary, legally crossing with a walker, was struck by a car turning right on red.
These are not “freak accidents.” They are predictable outcomes of poorly designed intersections — places where drivers are asked to make complex decisions in milliseconds.
The Long-Term Cost of a Bad Intersection
A single moment at an unsafe intersection may lead to:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI’s): Post-concussive symptoms including long-term memory loss, concentration issues, light / sound sensitivity, ringing in the ears, and cognitive impairment;
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Permanent paralysis, mobility issues, and/or chronic pain;
- Loss of Livelihood: Many victims cannot return to work, causing lasting financial stress; and
- Mental Health Effects: PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common — especially for children and teens who survive such crashes.
The ripple effect of these injuries touches entire families.
Why Isn’t Alberta Moving Faster?
Change is hard. Municipalities cite cost, political resistance, and a reluctance to remove car lanes, or alter traffic flow. But it is 2025 — we have the data, the designs, and the global models to follow.
Too often, change comes only after a tragedy. But why wait?
What You Can Do to Help Make Streets Safer
Advocate for Intersection Redesign
Call or email your local City Councilor. Push for RCIs at rural highways and protected intersections in urban zones — especially near schools, parks, and senior homes.
- Support Lower Speed Limits:
Reducing speeds at intersections — even by 10 km/h — can be the difference between life and death;
- Demand Infrastructure, Not Just Paint:
Concrete islands, raised crosswalks, and bike signals are far more effective than faded paint lines;
- Educate Drivers and Youth:
Schools and driver training programs should include modern intersection safety
— including how to interact with cyclists and pedestrians;
- Amplify Voices for Change:
Support groups including Vision Zero and Safe Streets Calgary. They work to prevent serious injuries, but they need public support.
If You’ve Been Hurt at a Dangerous Intersection — Know Your Rights
Even with the best intentions, not all crashes are avoidable. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to poor intersection design or driver negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Pipella Law, our legal team has over 75 years of combined experience advocating for victims of serious and catastrophic injuries. We understand the long road to recovery — physically, emotionally, and financially — and we are here to help you every step of the way.
You do not pay legal fees, unless we win your case. And we’ll visit you in the hospital, answer your calls 24/7, and fight to ensure your voice is heard.
If you want to learn more about this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrbV–tWwmx4
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, you know how devastating the consequences can be. That's why having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side is crucial to help you navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care in Alberta.
At Pipella Law, we understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to help. Our team of dedicated car accident lawyers in Calgary will conduct a complete investigation of your case and work with leading consultants to build a strong case on your behalf.