A safe commuting reminder

With a new school year now underway, the City is reminding residents about the role everyone plays in road safety to keep the community safe.

Bike and scooter use (including e-bikes and e-scooters): Always wear a CSA-approved helmet that is fastened correctly. Only travel on approved routes. E-scooters can only operate on Type 1 motorized multi-use trails and marked designated bicycle lanes. Bicycles (including e-bikes) are not permitted on sidewalks in the Central Business District. For more information visit whitehorse.ca/bicycles.

Speed limits: The speed limit in school and playground zones is 30 km/h. These reduced speeds help ensure that drivers can react quickly to unexpected situations. Keep an eye out for the posted speed limit signage.

Be alert: Keep your eyes on the road at all times, scanning for children crossing streets, walking on sidewalks, and riding bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and e-scooters.

Stop for school buses: When a school bus stops to pick up or drop off children, drivers are required to stop as well. Passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing is illegal and endangers the lives of young pedestrians.

Plan for extra travel time: With more school-related traffic and potential delays, give yourself extra time to reach your destination.

Teach kids about traffic safety: Educate children about safely crossing the street, how to safely travel on wheels by bike or scooter, and the importance of paying attention to traffic.

Use crosswalks: Use designated crosswalks when crossing the street. Be vigilant and stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, ensuring they have safely crossed, before proceeding.

By following these simple guidelines, we can create a safer environment for everyone during the back-to-school season and throughout the year. Let’s work together to make our streets safe for our youth.