Pedestrian Safety Campaign - Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Let’s work together to ensure everyone can #walksafe
Pedestrian Safety Campaign Launched

The Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough Public Health, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County are joining forces to highlight pedestrian safety and encouraging everyone to #walksafe.

Whether you are traveling on a city street or using a rural roadway, the safety of all road users should be front and center. Over the coming weeks, essential safety tips will be released through our organizations.

From families on their morning trip to school, to someone walking to the bus stop to get to work, or even the short trip one may make from the parking garage to a shop, each of us make many walk or roll trips each day. In 2024, there were 44 pedestrian-involved collisions in the Peterborough Police Service policing areas (City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield, Township of Cavan-Monaghan) with 39 of them (or 89%) resulting in injury. In local OPP-patrolled areas, there was one pedestrian involved collision that resulted in one death and one person injured.

The goal of releasing these safety tips, is to reduce the risk to those walking, running, or rolling on city and rural roads, as well as minimize their exposure to hazards.

There are tried and true Pedestrian Safety Tips that help everyone to #walksafe:

1. Be Visible 

Wear Bright or Reflective Clothing: Choose clothing in bright colors (such as neon or white) or wear reflective gear, especially if walking during low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, or night) or inclement weather conditions.

Carry a Flashlight or Headlamp: If walking in the dark, use a flashlight or headlamp to help you see and be seen by drivers.

Use Reflective Accessories: Consider adding reflective tape or vests to your clothing or gear, making you more visible from a distance.

2. Walk Facing Traffic 

Face Oncoming Vehicles: On streets without sidewalks, always walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles and take action if necessary.

Stay Alert: Minimize distractions by only having one headphone in and low volume. If you need to text, stop, text and then continue walking when you are done.

3. Stay on the Shoulder 

Use the Shoulder: Walk on the shoulder of the road, as far away from moving vehicles as possible.

Give Passing Vehicles Space: When cars or trucks pass by, stay as far off the roadway as possible to give them plenty of space.

4. Choose Safe Walking Routes 

Select the Safest Routes: Choose roads with the least amount of traffic or where traffic moves slower. If high-speed roads are your only option, please choose to be extra cautious. Consider roads that have wider shoulders or clearer visibility for drivers. Be alert at curves or areas with limited sight lines.

5. Cross Safely 

Use Marked Crossings When Available: If no designated crossings are present, choose the safest location to cross with good visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.

Look Both Ways Before Crossing: Always check for oncoming traffic in both directions, even if the road seems clear. Don’t assume vehicles will stop for you.

Don’t Rush the Hand: Give yourself plenty of time to cross at intersections and designated crosswalks.

6. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions 

Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced. Wear more reflective gear, and if conditions are severe, consider postponing walking if you can.

Stay Alert: Be aware of how conditions may impact vehicles. Poor weather may impact vehicles’ ability to stop or steer. Walk with extra caution, particularly when there is no sidewalk or crossing the street.

7. Carry Identification 

Carry ID and Emergency Info: Always carry identification and a phone with emergency contacts, especially if walking in more remote areas where help may not be readily available.

8. Limit/Avoid Walking at Night 

Utilize Well-Lit Roads: When possible, stick to roads and sidewalks that are well-lit during night or times or low light.

Limit Nighttime Walking: If possible, avoid walking after dark, especially on rural roads as visibility is low, and drivers may not expect pedestrians. If walking is unavoidable, ensure you have sufficient lighting and reflective gear.

9. Be Cautious Around Large Vehicles

Watch Out for Large Vehicles: Rural roads and areas near construction zones are often utilized by large trucks, farm equipment, and other heavy vehicles. Be extra cautious, as these vehicles require more space and have longer stopping distances.

Give Farm Vehicles Extra Space: Always give farm equipment plenty of room, especially when it’s traveling at slow speeds or taking up the whole road.

Motorists also have an active role to play in pedestrian safety. Motorists are reminded to:

Be Alert for Pedestrians

In the dark or inclement weather, pedestrians may be less visible. Be alert and aware of other road users.

Remember to check for pedestrians crossing at intersections. Do a double check when making turns, as a pedestrian may arrive while you’ve been looking for a gap in traffic.

If a crossing guard is present, follow their instructions. Be patient and remember that stop means stop.  It’s important that cars remain stopped at crosswalks until everyone is back on the sidewalk.

Be Aware of the Posted Speed Limit

Slow down and give space to pedestrians on roadways

Speed limits in many City and County school areas are reduced, be mindful of students walking or rolling to and from school

Community Safety Zones are established to provide awareness of higher concentrations of vulnerable road users, speeding fines can be doubled in these areas.

Be Mindful of Weather Conditions 

Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced, and road conditions may be impacted. Leave yourself extra space and extra time to travel.

We are asking residents to watch for these messages and to share them widely. Let’s all #walksafe.

Contact Information:

Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
sdueck@peterborough.ca
705-876-1122 x217
peterboroughpolice.com

Sarah Deeth
Communications Specialist, City of Peterborough
SDeeth@peterborough.ca
705-742-7777 ext. 1638
Peterborough.ca

Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
Peterborough County
tbertrand@ptbocounty.ca
705-743-0380 ext. 2502
ptbocounty.ca

Media Relations
Peterborough Public Health
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
705-743-1000 ext. 352

Information Pages:

City of Peterborough: peterborough.ca/transportation

Peterborough County: Active Transportation Master Plan - County of Peterborough

Quotes:

"Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and Peterborough County is committed to working alongside our partners to ensure everyone can walk safely, whether it's on a village street or a rural road. It is crucial that we all take these safety tips to heart. Together, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create safer communities for everyone. Let's all join together and #walksafe." - Bonnie Clark, Warden for Peterborough County

“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and the #walksafe campaign is a crucial reminder for both walkers and drivers to stay vigilant. By taking a few simple steps, we can all make a real difference in road safety. Let’s work together to ensure everyone can walk safely in our community.” - Mayor Jeff Leal.

“We live in a beautiful region; one of my favourite ways to enjoy it is by walking or biking to work and being active outdoors with my family on weekends. Active transportation is one of the best ways to be out experiencing all our community has to offer, especially with the warmer weather. Safe pedestrian and driving habits can prevent accidents or serious injuries and allow us all to be out enjoying our community. Even something as simple as crossing the street correctly or wearing bright clothing can help drivers see pedestrians and prevent an accident.” - Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health

“One pedestrian-involved collision is one too many. The Peterborough Police Service is committed to ensuring our roads are as safe as possible for all residents. Whether we move about as pedestrians or as motorists in our communities, we have a shared responsibility to safety. These tips will not only give everyone the tools to be safe and avoid distractions but create an awareness that while on the road in any capacity we need to remain vigilant. Please #walksafe.” – Chief Stuart Betts, Chief of Police, Peterborough Police Service.

"While pedestrian-vehicle collisions are less frequent in Peterborough County than in the city, the risk is still very real. Pedestrians must stay aware of their surroundings, use designated crossings where available, and avoid distractions like cell phones and headphones. Vigilance can make the difference in preventing a tragedy. The Peterborough County OPP remains committed to educating our community on pedestrian safety to help prevent collisions before they happen." – Inspector Chris Galeazza, Peterborough County OPP