Pedestrian Safety
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The Richmond RCMP, South Arm & Steveston Community Police station volunteers and the ICBC Road Safety Team recently participated in a Pedestrain Safety awareness campaign. Richmond's high volume foot traffic areas were targeted, providing passers by with pedstrian tips and reflective armbands in order to increase visibility in the dark.
Cst. Aaron Penner of the Richmond RCMP and Alex Lee, Loss Prevention Co-ordinator of ICBC, are seen here meeting with Mitchell School’s Grade 7 students to talk about pedestrian safety.
The RCMP are partnering with ICBC to educate the public about “Being Seen in Richmond”.
Students were reminded to cross the road only at intersections and designated crosswalks. Pedestrians must make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb, even in marked crosswalks, as drivers may be distracted or may not see them due to darkness or bad weather.
Cst. Penner also reminded students that pedestrians need to wear bright, reflective clothing or other reflective devices; such as reflective arm bands, which wrap around the wrist, arm or leg, and used whenever you are walking at night. Reflective arm bands will reflect off the car’s headlights making you more visible to the driver, especially during winter months.
Make sure that you are “Being Seen in Richmond”! Remember, you are responsible for your own safety!
As part of this initiative reflective arm bands are being made available through Richmond area bus drivers.
For more Pedestrian and Traffic Safety information see the "Transportation, Traffic & Parking links in the fly-out menu for the City Services section of this site.
Tips for Pedestrians:
- Do not jaywalk. Cross the street only at designated crosswalks.
- Plan your routes and avoid rushing to cross the street to board public transit.
- Do not use MP3/CD players or cell phones when crossing the street.
- Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street.
- In the early morning and/or evening, wear reflective materials to increase your visibility.
- Stay alert, especially at night, and avoid streets with poor lighting.
- Slow down and pay attention when driving near bus stops or Skytrain stations.
- When making turns, establish eye contact with pedestrians.
- Wait in well-lit and highly visible areas, especially in the evening.
- Take note of the hours of operation for buses and the Canada Line. Pay attention to security features at Skytrain stations and learn how to use them. Report criminal activity to the police or transit police.
