Pedestrian safety
Everyone has an important role to play in the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
While drivers have a larger reasonability when it comes to road safety, pedestrians and cyclists also need to take precautions to ensure a safe journey. The safety of pedestrians and cyclists is a significant concern for Ontario’s doctors. Each year, doctors see first-hand the number of people who are injured or killed as a result of collisions on our roads and sidewalks. These visual guides provide you with the tools to empower yourself and your family, in order to ensure that these preventable injuries don’t happen.
“Cycle-ology 101: Bike Safety Basics” depicts a cyclist riding in a bike lane. It describes the correct way to ride safely: “Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers,” “Attach lights or reflectors to your bicycle. This will increase your visibility at night for others sharing the road with you,” “Under the Highway Traffic Act, most slow-moving vehicles should stay in the right lane or as close to the right side of the road or the curb ‘as practicable,’” Everyone should wear a helmet (by law, everyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet,” “Use had signals when turning and stopping,” Share the road and obey all traffic laws.”
Graphic titled “You can be a driver … of safety in Ontario” depicts an intersection with cars and pedestrians. It describes road safety for drivers: “Watch for and give right of way to pedestrians and cyclists when backing out of driveways,” “Always be aware of cyclists and bicycle lanes. Share the road. Cyclists have the same rights as drivers,” “Always follow posted speed limits,” “Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” “Look out for pedestrians at all times,” “Make sure your lights are on and use your signals properly,” “Always yield to pedestrian crosswalks.”
Graphic titled “Being street-smart means a few things …” depicts an intersection with cars and pedestrians with the spotlight on pedestrians. It describes what pedestrians need to be aware of: “At night, wear light and reflective coloured clothing so drivers can see you,” “If you are wearing earphones, make sure you can still hear the traffic around you,” “Make sure to try and make eye contact with drivers in stopped vehicles to ensure they see you before you cross in front of them,” “Use designated crossing spots (traffic lights and crosswalks) when crossing the street,” “Be alert. Don’t let things like electronic devices distract you,” “Know and follow all traffic rules, signs, and signals.”