Vancouver Police and ICBC are continuing with their education campaign to help keep pedestrians safe.

Crashes involving pedestrians increase at this time of year due to reduced visibility caused by poor weather and shorter days.

Vancouver Police, ICBC and community policing volunteers will be handing out pedestrian safety reflectors at 7:00 am this morning at Broadway and Commercial and providing tips to help educate pedestrians about the importance of being visible to drivers.

Officers are also reminding drivers to pay attention, to watch for pedestrians, and to slow down.

“We all play a part in keeping pedestrians safe,” says Acting Inspector Ken Eng of the VPD Traffic Section. “This includes being visible and making eye contact before stepping into the street.”

Pedestrian Safety Tips

  • always make eye contact with an approaching driver before crossing the road
  • assume drivers cannot see you
  • wear bright reflective clothing at night
  • consider carrying a light or using the pedsafe phone app to help drivers see you
  • don’t J-walk – cross at crosswalks and obey traffic signals
  • pay attention –don’t text while walking

Cyclist Safety Tips

  • don’t ride bicycles on the sidewalk – stay to the right hand side of the roadway or in designated bike lanes
  • use a bell on your bicycle to warn approaching pedestrians and other road users
  • bicycles are vehicles and must follow all rules of the road

Driver Safety Tips

  • yield to pedestrians on roadways
  • watch for pedestrians at intersections, especially when making left and right-hand turns
  • expect the unexpected – a vehicle stopping in the lane beside you may be yielding to a pedestrian crossing the road