DriveSmartBC

In this case young Allan Chen was riding his skateboard on a steep sidewalk. He could not stop on reaching the intersection and rode into the path of traffic where he was struck by a car driven by Juan Beltran.

Recognizing that many European programs for traffic safety could be successfully imported into the US, the Federal Highway Administration has sponsored a scanning study of five European countries to identify and assess effective approaches to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety and mobility.

For years I've thought about sending this question to you. This is regarding the issue of "walk on left, ride on right". I have always understood that on any road/path with no sidewalk that is shared by pedestrians and vehicles (including bicycles), the pedestrians should keep to the left facing traffic, and the vehicles keep to the right.

For a few months now I have been trying to locate specific information on the rules of the road pertaining to back lanes and alleyways. Simply trying to get a concrete source on the speed limit of back lanes, especially those running along school zones, has been incredibly difficult.

The Traffic Injury Research Foundation reports that Canadians are not overly concerned about the behaviours and safety of pedestrians and bicyclists according to a public opinion poll. However, crash data and self-reported behaviour illustrate that concern is still warranted.

It's amazing how complicated that it can be to decide on the best way to light a crosswalk. The design must provide illumination of pedestrians so that they can be seen at night, be easy to maintain, cost effective and not cause glare that would interfere with the driving task. This study by a group of scientists from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute examines the issue and settles on fluorescent lamps mounted in bollards at each end of the crosswalk.

"This Case Study Compendium contains a collection of brief, original case studies developed by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center and the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals.

I read the Victoria Times Colonist on line each morning and today's story about jaywalking caught my attention. After reading the story all I am left with is the feeling that the situation was poorly explained and readers were left with the impression that the police should have been doing more important things.

I walked part of the way to work this morning and found myself facing a young woman across a busy intersection while we waited for the traffic signal to change. She was facing me but keeping an eye on the van waiting beside her at the red light signalling a right turn. As I watched the situation unfold I was impressed with this woman's street smarts.

A man I observed in a parking lot this evening started me thinking about how little care we sometimes take when we are pedestrians. I was preparing to back out of my parking spot and had put my truck in reverse, then did a scan to the rear before I started letting up on the clutch.