Thoughts on Being a Pedestrian

I was asked two interesting questions by email: “Is it law or simply a rule in B.C. that pedestrians should walk facing traffic when there are no sidewalks along the roads? What happens when the highway maintenance company leaves no shoulder to walk on?”

The questions are worth considering because pedestrians are particularly vulnerable when sidewalks and usable shoulders are missing. The law provides some guidance, but understanding the rules is only part of staying safe.

How serious is the risk?

Walking is something most of us learn as toddlers. Because it is such an ordinary activity, we may not stop to consider how vulnerable we are when sharing space with motor vehicles.

ICBC's five-year provincial average ending December 31, 2025, is 3,152 pedestrian-related incidents a year, involving 2,382 injured victims and 56 deaths.

Those figures are a sobering reminder that pedestrians have little physical protection when a collision occurs. Even a collision at a relatively modest speed can result in serious injuries.

Where should pedestrians walk?

Section 182 of B.C.'s Motor Vehicle Act sets out where pedestrians may walk along a highway. If a reasonably passable sidewalk exists on either or both sides of the highway, a pedestrian must not use the roadway.

The distinction between the roadway and the shoulder is important. The Act defines the roadway as the part of the highway designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic, excluding the shoulder. This raises a practical question: if a sidewalk is available on the opposite side of a busy highway, should a pedestrian cross the highway to use it instead of the shoulder on their side?

Section 182(1) prohibits pedestrians from using the roadway when a reasonably passable sidewalk is available. It does not expressly require them to cross the highway to reach that sidewalk. The distinction matters because crossing a busy road may introduce a risk that could otherwise be avoided.

When no sidewalk is available, section 182(2) requires pedestrians to walk on the extreme left side of the roadway or on the shoulder, facing approaching traffic. This lets pedestrians see approaching vehicles and gives them a chance to react if a driver does not move away from them.

What if there is no usable shoulder?

A shoulder may be too narrow to walk on safely, obstructed by vegetation or debris, or absent altogether. In those circumstances, walking beside traffic can be hazardous, even when the pedestrian follows the law.

Before setting out, consider whether a safer route is available. Could you use another road, a separated pathway or a route with a sidewalk? Could someone drive you to a safer starting point? A longer route may be preferable to walking beside fast-moving traffic with nowhere to go.

If you must walk where traffic is close by, take precautions:

• Keep as far from moving traffic as practicable without stepping into an unsafe ditch or onto hazardous ground.
• When walking with others, walk in single file where space is limited.
• Be prepared to move farther away from traffic if a safe place to do so is available.
• Wear reflective material and use a light when walking in darkness or poor visibility. Light-coloured clothing alone does not guarantee that a driver will see you in time.
• Stay alert to approaching vehicles and avoid distractions that prevent you from seeing or hearing traffic.

Road conditions can change along a route. A shoulder that is wide enough in one place may disappear around a bend, narrow at a bridge or become obstructed by snow, vegetation or debris. Plan for these changes before you reach them.

If there is no safe place to walk, consider another way to reach your destination. Being legally permitted to walk at the edge of the roadway does not make doing so a sensible choice in every circumstance.

Drivers have responsibilities too

Pedestrian safety is not solely the pedestrian's responsibility. Section 181 of the Motor Vehicle Act requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian on the highway. Drivers must also sound their horn when necessary to warn a pedestrian and take proper precautions when they observe a child or a person who appears confused or incapacitated.

Drivers should expect to encounter pedestrians, particularly where sidewalks and pathways are missing. Watch for people walking near the edge of the road, reduce speed when necessary and leave as much room as practicable when passing them.

A pedestrian beside a ditch, barrier or guardrail may have nowhere to move. Drivers should recognize that vulnerability and adjust their driving rather than assume the pedestrian can simply get out of the way.

Pedestrians must also remember that a driver's duty of care does not make every situation safe. Do not assume a driver has seen you or will react correctly. Pay attention to approaching traffic and make choices that give you the best opportunity to avoid a collision.

Crossing the road is different

Walking along a road and crossing it are different activities, and the rules are not the same.

Section 179 of the Motor Vehicle Act sets out when drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk, subject to the rules governing traffic signals. 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 that it is impracticable for the driver to yield.

Under section 180, a pedestrian crossing a highway at a point that is not a crosswalk must yield the right of way to vehicles.

Regardless of who has the legal right of way, never step into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop safely. Look for approaching traffic, assess whether it is safe to cross and keep watching as you cross.

At intersections, be especially alert for vehicles turning left or right. A driver's attention may be focused on finding a gap in traffic rather than on watching for pedestrians. Never assume that a driver will stop simply because you have the right of way.

Teaching safe pedestrian habits

As a good grandpa should, I take my granddaughters by the hand when we cross the street to get the mail. We stop at the edge of the pavement and look carefully for traffic. If it is safe to cross, we walk directly to the opposite side. If a vehicle is approaching, we wait until it has passed rather than stepping into its path.

Their mother reinforces these habits and teaches them to walk on the left when there is no sidewalk, moving aside to wait when a vehicle approaches and a safe place is available.

These are good habits to establish early, but pedestrian safety requires more than memorizing a few rules. Children need to learn to recognize hazards, judge whether it is safe to cross and understand that drivers sometimes make mistakes. Adults need to practise the same habits rather than rely on familiarity or assume that other road users will behave as expected.

Walking is good for us, but familiarity should not make us underestimate the risks. Know the rules, plan for hazards and stay alert to traffic. When there is no safe place to walk, finding another way to reach your destination may be the wisest choice.

Learn More

• How to Use a Crosswalk
• Dressed to Be Seen After Dark
• Being a Safe Pedestrian at Night
• Passing Pedestrians and Cyclists