Calgary’s pedestrian safety under scrutiny after another fatality

A tragic weekend collision has reignited concerns over pedestrian safety in Calgary, following the death of an 87-year-old woman at a downtown crosswalk.

The incident marks the city’s 12th pedestrian fatality in 2025, a grim milestone in what officials say is a 10-year high for such collisions.

The fatal crash occurred at a crosswalk along 9 Avenue SE, where the woman was struck while attempting to cross. Her death has prompted renewed calls for action from residents and city leaders alike.

Norman Lang, a longtime Calgary resident, lives near a busy intersection on 68 Street NE and says crossing the street feels like a gamble.

“I’ve almost been hit three times,” Lang told CityNews. “I’ve stood in the middle of this intersection and cars just keep going by. I’ve got my hand in the air going ‘hello.'”

Lang demonstrated the danger firsthand, crossing the street as two vehicles sped past without stopping.

“People are not paying attention,” he said. “They’re either distracted with their cell phones, or they need to retake the driving test.”

Lang’s frustration was echoed in an email to CityNews, warning, “Something needs to be done before someone gets killed.”

Calgary’s newly elected mayor, Jeromy Farkas, responded to the tragedy at the downtown intersection over the weekend, saying, “we must ensure safe routes for kids, seniors, and every Calgarian through emphasis on engineering, design, safety education and enforcing the rules of the road. Though this is a multifaceted issue, we know the solutions, and we have to partner with organizations to ensure that we prioritize this aspect of public safety.”

As the city grapples with rising pedestrian deaths, residents like Lang are calling for immediate and decisive action.

“Let’s start cracking down on people getting distracted,” he said.