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Carpooling
Cycling
Driving Wisely
In-line Skating
Skateboarding
Telecommuting
Transit
Walking, Wheeling & Running
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 Put Your Feet on the Street!
Benefits
What to Wear
Walking Wisely
Rules of the Road
British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act (for pedestrians)
Walking is one of the oldest, most popular and simplest forms of transportation. It creates no pollution; it allows you and the environment to stay in shape; it’s invigorating and FREE. Walking is also a great way to spend time with your family and friends and it allows you to get out and enjoy your surroundings while discovering the hidden treasures in your neighbourhood.
Consider walking if you are within three kilometres of your destination and for you runners about eight kilometres.
The average pedestrian can walk about one kilometre in ten minutes.
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Other than a good pair of shoes, a wheelchair or a cane, you don't need any special equipment to walk or wheel to where you're going. There are, however, some extras that can make your trip more comfortable in wet or cold weather.
- Umbrellas and raincoats help keep your clothes clean and dry.
- Comfortable shoes reduce the impact your steps make on your feet, knees and back.
- Layers of clothing allow you to quickly change to accommodate changes in temperatures.
- Wear bright and reflective clothing and carry a light at night - it's important to be seen.
- A backpack or shoulder bag is convenient. Ones with adjustable straps tend to be more comfortable.
- A cart or buggy are useful if you are planning on carrying a large load.
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If you are walking alone, try to carry a cell phone or some other kind of noise making device like a whistle.
- Walk to the bus stop to get to those farther destinations, you are still getting your exercise and helping the environment at the same time.
- Arrange to meet your carpool or vanpool a short distance from home, and walk to the meeting point.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible.
- Obey the rules of the road.
- As your mother always said “ALWAYS LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET”.
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- Pedestrians and people in wheelchairs should use the sidewalk, but cyclists must use the road.
- Look all ways before crossing, even at one-way streets.
- Cross only at intersections when the walk signal (person in white) is visible. The flashing hand means it's okay to finish crossing the street if you have already started.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk on the roadway shoulder facing oncoming traffic.
- Using a walkman or discman while walking or wheeling is not recommended. If you feel you need one, make sure you can still hear emergency sirens and honking horns.
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- ¨A pedestrian must not leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close it is impracticable for the driver to yield the right of way".
- ¨When a pedestrian is crossing a highway at a point not in a crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield the right of way to a vehicle".
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