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Sharing our Streets
The City encourages residents to walk, bike and ride transit to reduce congestion, improve air quality and allow for more reliable goods movement. With the addition of emerging mobility options gaining popularity, it is more important than ever to remind residents to share our streets safely and respectfully.
Below are some tips to help be mindful of other users and aware of your surroundings when walking, cycling and driving.
The City of Coquitlam is regulated by the Provincial Motor Vehicle Act and the City of Coquitlam Street & Traffic Bylaw. Both regulations ensure fair and safe practice in our community.
Stay Safe, Stay Aware for Back to School
Stay alert and aware on our streets, sidewalks and school zones as students of all ages head back to class next week, and people return to work after summer vacations. Community safety is a shared responsibility, and every person driving, walking, biking or riding a scooter must follow City of Coquitlam bylaws and BC Motor Vehicle Act laws.
- Slow Down – The speed limit is 30 km/h in school zones (8 a.m.–5 p.m. on school days). In playground zones, a 30 km/h speed limit is in effect every day from dawn to dusk.
- Park Smart – Do not stop or park within a crosswalk or within six metres of a crosswalk—sightlines must be maintained.
- Quick Stops Only – Pickup/drop-off zones are for a maximum of 3 minutes while actively loading or unloading passengers provided it is safe to do so. Stopping in a pick-up/drop-off zone for other reasons is illegal.
- Yield Every Time – People walking and rolling have the right-of-way at all intersections. Drivers, cyclists and other micromobility users must yield to pedestrians at all intersections, regardless of whether they have pavement markings, signs or traffic signals.
- Stay in Your Lane – Use crosswalks, bike lanes, and multi-use pathways.
- Leave your Phone Alone – Do not participate in distracted driving—leave your phone alone while driving, and stay alert for children walking, cycling or riding a scooter.
Bicycling is an attractive and viable choice for transportation. This mobility option is continuing to evolve and Coquitlam is committed to the continued expansion and improvement bicycle network.
- Wear a helmet and do not wear headphones while riding.
- Do not ride on sidewalks unless a sign advises that it is permitted.
- Multi-use pathways are shared facilities - slow down when approaching pedestrians.
- Walk your bicycle across a crosswalk, unless the crosswalk has parallel dotted lines and/or a sign permitting riding within the crosswalk.
- Watch for other vehicles when riding through green conflict zone pavement.
- Remember to ride on the same side of the street and in the same direction as motor vehicles unless indicated differently.
- Watch for vehicle doors opening and closing, and vehicles pulling in and out of parking spots.
- Ring your bell or use your voice to warn others when overtaking another pathway user.
- Make eye contact especially with drivers at intersections and driveways.
- Use hand signals when making turns, slowing down or stopping on the roadway.
- Be predictable and don’t make erratic movements.
For more cycling education and safety tips, refer to HUB Cycling, a charitable, not-for-profit organization improving cycling conditions in Metro Vancouver.
Following the rules of the road ensures the safety of all drivers and other users. When a driver fails to follow the laws of the Motor Vehicle Act there is a price to pay particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Being alert of all vulnerable users including pedestrians and cyclists and never driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs help keeps the road safe particularly during fall and winter when visibility is poor.
- Drivers and cyclist have the same rights and responsibilities.
- Be focused on the road and driving, and put electronic devices away.
- Look out for pedestrians at all times – especially during bad weather, at night and when backing up.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk as a pedestrian/cyclist is crossing.
- Check for cyclists when opening car doors.
- Park and stop vehicle only were permitted - do not stop/park in a crosswalk or designated bike lane.
- Shoulder check when making a right turn and check blind spots for any approaching cyclists.
- Be patient and extra careful with cyclist in a roundabout, narrow street and intersection.
- Pay attention to the cyclist’s hand signals when turning left, right and stopping.
- Be aware that some cyclists on e-bikes may approach at a higher speed than you expect.
For more tips for drivers, refer to ICBC Road Safety.
Walking plays an important role in improving our quality of life. It encourages a healthy and safe community with less reliance on driving. To further enhance the enjoyment of walking, pedestrians and drivers should be mindful of one another.
- Obey the rules of the road – signs and signals.
- Cross at intersections and designated pedestrian crosswalks.
- Look for vehicles in all directions, including those turning left or right, before crossing the street, intersection or driveway.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to ensure they are aware of you.
- Do not use personal electronic devices when crossing the street - remove headphones.
- At traffic signalized intersections, do not cross the street when signal begins flashing an upraised hand symbol or/ “Don’t Walk”.
- Be mindful and move aside when cyclists approach along multi-use pathways.
- Be aware that e-bikes may approach faster than anticipated.
- Walk on sidewalks when available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
- Wear bright and reflective clothing, especially during bad weather and at night.
For more pedestrian safety tips, refer to ICBC Road Safety.