Ready...set...scramble! 

Excuse that introduction, I'm just trying to get excited about Toronto's first scramble, where pedestrians can cross the Yonge-Dundas intersection diagonally. Unfortunately, it's proving difficult. As you can see from the video below, the inaugural scramble was more or less the lunchtime crowd (plus a swath of media and a city councilor) crossing the street. Perhaps it'll get more exciting when there are more pedestrians...? Here's the excitement the city was able to muster for today's opening: 

 On Thursday August 28, 2008, at 11a.m, the City of Toronto will see its first Pedestrian Priority Phase. 

The traffic signals at Yonge and Dundas Streets will be updated for this new phase. When the 

Pedestrian Priority Phase is in effect, a red signal is shown for all vehicles while the “walk” 

display is shown in all directions for pedestrians, including diagonally across the intersection. 

This concept, also known as the “Barnes Dance” or “Scramble,” is used in many cities, 

including Tokyo and Vancouver. This will assist with road−user safety.