What to Know About Vulnerable Road Users and How to Share the Road Safely
With more Ontarians walking and cycling these days, it’s more important than ever to remember to share the road
It looks like you’re using an older browser. For the best experience, please use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox.
With more Ontarians walking and cycling these days, it’s more important than ever to remember to share the road
They're a segment referred to as vulnerable road users (VRU)—individuals who are most at risk of injury if they’re involved in a motor vehicle collision. They include pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and mobility device users.
If you've noticed more people walking or cycling, it isn't your imagination. The ongoing pandemic has changed our daily habits.
In fact, a survey conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAASCO) in June 2021 found that 57% of Ontarians are driving less because of the pandemic while 47% are walking more and 17% cycling more often. After the pandemic began, active transportation choices skyrocketed, with cities introducing temporary road closures and expanding cycling networks. According to CAA's research, 20% of Ontarians participated in these closures - with younger Ontarians or those who live downtown being more likely to participate.
This put a lot more VRUs on the road, highlighting why it’s important for everyone—pedestrians, cyclists and drivers—to be mindful of each other and to share the road.
Whether you’re driving, walking or riding your bike, here are five things you should do.
Now more than ever, it’s important to be courteous and respectful to others. A dose of patience will go a long way to ensuring a safe trip for everyone.
Visit caasco.com/pedestrian for more helpful safety tips.
Image Credit: Danil Melekhin/iStock