Prioritizing Pedestrian Safety in Guelph: A Community Responsibility
Posted October 13, 2024
Recently, the Guelph Police issued a warning after four pedestrians were struck by vehicles in less than a week. While we’re thankful that these incidents resulted in only minor injuries, we need to recognize that “minor” can be misleading. These events can have a lasting impact on the lives of those involved, as well as their families and friends.
The Importance of Accountability
Despite three confirmed charges against drivers in these collisions; with the fourth incident occurring as a civic matter on private property, many discussions still tend to blame pedestrians. For instance, a person was charged after hitting a woman in a crosswalk, yet online comments either still suggested the pedestrian was at fault or more often; put a blanket of blame over all pedestrians.
It’s time to confront an uncomfortable truth: normalizing or justifying harm to pedestrians is not only dangerous but also morally wrong. We need to challenge the mindset that excuses dangerous driving behavior by automatically blaming those who are walking, biking, or rolling. Those who choose to operate a vehicle have a critical responsibility to exercise due care and adhere to traffic laws, regardless of how others may behave or be perceived to behave. Cars are heavy machines that can cause serious and permanent harm and must be treated as such. We must be able to trust our community to keep each other safe.
Recognizing Responsibility, Not Vilifying Drivers
This isn’t about vilifying drivers; it’s about recognizing the responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel. Driving is a privilege that requires careful consideration and respect for others on the road at all times. A car is a powerful, dangerous machine, and people driving must treat it as such. If more of us understood that, we might see fewer people getting hurt—and fewer excuses being made when they are.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, but it’s not an even playing field. Drivers hold significant power, and with that power comes the duty to protect those who are most at risk. Unfortunately, sometimes this power can lead to a sense of entitlement, where drivers may prioritize their convenience over the safety of others.
Transportation equity means that everyone, regardless of how they travel, should have safe and reliable transportation options. This means recognizing that not everyone has the same level of mobility or access to resources. Ensuring their safety and accessibility is a shared responsibility that requires all road users to acknowledge their impact on the community.
Let’s shift the conversation away from blaming victims and instead focus on holding ourselves accountable for the safety of our community. By doing so, we can create a more respectful and safer environment for all road users.
Addressing Police Messaging
While we appreciate the Guelph Police’s efforts in addressing recent collisions involving vulnerable road users, it’s essential that police communicate clearly that, while everyone does have a role in ensuring safety, the primary responsibility to protect vulnerable road users lies with drivers.
We recommend that Guelph Police take steps to further educate drivers on critical safety practices, especially if they are required by the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, to enhance pedestrian safety across the city.
A key focus should be on ensuring drivers fully understand the importance of why coming to a complete stop at the stop line at intersections is required by law. The stop line serves a vital role in keeping crosswalks clear and ensuring that pedestrians remain visible and protected. Educating drivers that after stopping fully and confirming the crosswalk is clear, they may then cautiously move forward to assess traffic before proceeding, would significantly improve safety.
In addition, it’s important to remind drivers to perform shoulder checks and yielding to pedestrians as required by Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. Drivers must understand that even if they think they can chance makeing it through, pedestrian safety should always be their top priority.
Another common safety concern is drivers turning right while only looking left for oncoming traffic. We suggest a public awareness campaign to encourage drivers to look where they are moving, especially when turning, to reduce the risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
To truly improve road safety, we should call on the Guelph Police to be proactive with an enforcement campaign targeting violations of these laws, as they are designed to protect vulnerable road users. Police should be actively issuing warnings or fines to drivers who fail to yield, stop correctly at crosswalks, or encroach on pedestrian spaces. Such a campaign would serve as a reminder, raising awareness about the laws and enforcement can be used as needed.
How Can Guelph Bylaw Help?
Guelph’s bylaw officers also play a key role in road safety. While their responsibilities differ from police, they ensure that local bylaws related to road and sidewalk usage are followed. This includes addressing issues like vehicles parked illegally in bike lanes, blocking sidewalks and curb cuts, overhanging from driveways onto sidewalks or parking too close to crosswalks, which impairs visibility, creates dangerous conditions and accessibility issues.
Bylaw officers should increase their enforcement of these infractions by issuing fines to violators. Residents can easily report these problems through the “Report a Problem Map,” but the effectiveness of these reports depends on active enforcement. By working together with police to uphold both the HTA and local regulations, Guelph bylaw enforcement can ensure that public spaces are safe and accessible for everyone.
City Budget Considerations for Safety
As the city prepares its upcoming budget, we must prioritize investing in vulnerable road user safety. We urge city leaders to allocate funds toward enhancing infrastructure that promotes safe walking, biking and rolling; such as improved protected intersections with crosswalks and bike lanes that include physical separation and barriers.
Additionally, enhancing the relationship between the police and community members through collaborative safety programs can help build trust and accountability. Initiatives like community workshops on road safety could empower residents and encourage open dialogue about improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
Engaging Civically for Safer Streets
Civic engagement is crucial in promoting pedestrian safety and ensuring that the voices of all community members are heard. Here are several ways you can get involved:
- Attend City Council Meetings: Your participation in local government meetings can help ensure that pedestrian safety is prioritized in discussions about city planning and budget allocations. Expressing your concerns and suggestions can make a difference.
- Join Local Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation (GCAT) provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about improving road safety. These groups often organize events, campaigns, and discussions that amplify community voices.
- Advocate for Change: Write letters to your local representatives advocating for better pedestrian infrastructure, enhanced traffic safety measures, and increased funding for active transportation. Your voice matters, and your representatives need to hear from constituents who care about these issues.
- Engage in Community Dialogues: Participate in public engagements, “Have Your Says” or town halls. Sharing your experiences and listening to others can foster understanding and create a more informed community.
- Show Appreciation for Progress: Let council and city staff know what you value about new infrastructure and projects, such as new crosswalks, protected intersections and expanded protected bike lanes.
- Highlight specific improvements that have positively impacted your community. Positive feedback encourages city officials to prioritize active transportation and vulnerable road user safety.
- While it’s essential to express gratitude, also emphasize the need to accelerate these improvements and address areas that still require attention.
- By engaging constructively, you help to show what the community appreciates over generalized complaints. This helps city staff and council to pursue more ambitious safety initiatives.
- Spread the Word: Use social media to raise awareness about pedestrian safety issues in Guelph. Sharing information and personal stories can engage others in the conversation and encourage them to take action.
Building Understanding and Empathy
On social media, we often encounter comments that excuse dangerous driving, suggesting that pedestrians should always be on high alert. While it’s important for everyone to be aware of their surroundings, drivers have a critical responsibility to look out for vulnerable road users.
Not everyone is able to drive or wants to do so. For many, especially those in low-income situations, the costs associated with driving—such as purchasing a vehicle, fuel, insurance, and maintenance—can be prohibitive. By building safer roads, we create options for those who may not feel comfortable driving, shouldn’t be driving, cannot drive, or simply cannot afford to drive. This ensures that everyone still has reliable ways to get around, which is essential for maintaining equitable transportation access within our community.
Everyone deserves the right to navigate our streets—whether we walk, bike, or roll—without fear and in safety. Our transportation system should accommodate all users, which means designing roads that prioritize safety for everyone.
We are all part of this community, and we must work together to ensure that everyone feels safe using our streets. This means recognizing that pedestrians are not obstacles; they are our friends, family, and neighbors, and they all deserve to travel around our community safely.
Taking Action for a Safer Guelph
If we want safer streets, we need to hold each other accountable.
Together, we can build a Guelph where all road users feel safe and valued. Let’s advocate for better infrastructure and policies that prioritize vulnerable road user safety. This means pushing for redesigned streets that accommodate everyone, regardless of age or ability.
We can’t do it without you! We need to be in this together to work towards a safer, healthier, and more connected Guelph for everyone.