City encourages pedestrians and cyclists to stay visible during the winter months
New Westminster, BC – The City of New Westminster encourages pedestrians and cyclists to use high-visibility safety items during the winter months to make themselves more visible to drivers. The City has purchased a limited quantity of high-visibility reflectors, which are available at no charge to New Westminster residents.
The reflectors can be easily attached to clothing, backpacks or walkers and are a simple way to help promote the message of safety and visibility. “Although the reflective strips you might find on your child’s winter jacket are a good start,” said Antonia Reynolds, Transport Demand Management Coordinator, “professional-grade reflectors or reflective strips attached to your bag or clothing can mean the difference between being seen and being struck by a car.”
This messaging is part of a larger sustainable transportation initiative to roll out in New Westminster during 2014. “The sustainable transportation discussion is becoming increasingly important in every community, both in the management of traffic challenges and for the health and well-being of the population - and the safety of all road users is part of that, ” said Reynolds.
Even with reflectors, please always keep in mind the following road safety tips:
1. Always cross the street at an intersection – jaywalking is illegal.
2. Obey all traffic signals at intersections.
3. Make eye contact with other road users and wait for cars to stop.
4. Assume drivers can’t see you.
5. Stop wearing headphones/using your cellphone when crossing a street.
The reflectors, which are available in an array of fun shapes and colours, are can be picked up at the following municipal facilities: City Hall (511 Royal Ave), the New Westminster Police Department (555 Columbia St) and the New Westminster Public Library (716 6th Ave). Otherwise, high-visibility reflective items can be found in stores and online where work clothing is sold.
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Contact: Antonia Reynolds
Transport Demand Management Coordinator