Walking

Walking is the most fundamental mode of transportation. It is part of every trip, whether the trip is made by bicycle (rolling), transit, or car. The City is focused on making walking a safe, comfortable, accessible and pleasant mobility choice for people of all ages and abilities, be they residents or visitors.

A decreased reliance on driving reduces traffic congestion, noise, air pollution, and has other benefits, such as improved feelings of connection to the community.

  • Walking Mythbusters [PDF] - 1322KB

  • Pedestrians:

    • Enhance your visibility, especially after dark. Wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing, or attach a light or a reflective strip to your clothing.
    • Stay alert. Watch out for drivers turning into an intersection from left and right. Try to make eye contact with all nearby drivers before stepping out onto the street.
    • Don't assume a crosswalk or a green light at an intersection makes you safe. Ensure drivers see you before you step out from the curb.
    • Especially if you know you may be slower in crossing a road, give yourself the most time to cross by waiting for a newly turned green or walk signal.
    • Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, and be on the lookout for turning or backing vehicles.
    • Keep scanning for vehicles as you cross.
    • Hold your hand up or do whatever it takes to make yourself more visible to drivers.

    Motorists:

    • Stay alert. Don't be distracted by activities that take your mind off driving or your eyes off the road. Watch carefully for pedestrians when approaching any crosswalk or intersection.
    • Ensure all pedestrians have cleared the road before proceeding.
    • Take special care to watch for pedestrians or other vulnerable road users when making a left-hand turn.
    • Watch especially carefully for the elderly or mobility-challenged. Recognize it may take them longer than average to complete a safe crossing.

    source: BC Coroners' Office