Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety on Surrey’s Highways: What Drivers Need to Know

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Introduction

Surrey, BC, is a rapidly growing city that continues to evolve into a vibrant hub for both urban development and natural beauty. As Surrey’s population grows, so does its need for accessible transportation options. While cars dominate the roads, pedestrians and cyclists are becoming increasingly common on Surrey’s highways and urban streets. However, this coexistence between motorized vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians can be tricky, especially on busy roads and near parks, where non-motorized road users are especially prevalent. Understanding how these different groups interact, and what drivers can do to keep everyone safe, is essential.

In this blog, we’ll explore the critical aspects of pedestrian and cyclist safety on Surrey’s highways and urban streets, offering practical advice for drivers navigating these areas.

Understanding the Risks: Why Pedestrians and Cyclists Are Vulnerable

Pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and their safety is a significant concern in Surrey, especially near high-traffic areas or public spaces like parks, schools, and shopping districts.

Lack of Protection: Unlike drivers, pedestrians and cyclists don’t have the protection of a car’s frame or airbags. In a collision with a vehicle, they are at a much higher risk of severe injury or death.
Visibility Challenges: Cyclists and pedestrians can be difficult to spot, especially during early morning or evening hours, or in poor weather conditions like rain or fog. This is particularly true for pedestrians who may not be using designated crosswalks or cyclists who may be riding on the edge of highways.
Speed Differences: Vehicles typically travel much faster than pedestrians or cyclists, making it harder for drivers to stop quickly in emergencies. This difference in speed is especially significant on roads with high speed limits like Highway 1 or the South Fraser Perimeter Road.

Key Areas Where Pedestrians and Cyclists Interact with Motorized Vehicles

In Surrey, several areas see a high volume of non-motorized road users. Understanding where these interactions typically occur is essential for drivers.

1. Urban Streets and Side Roads

Key Issue: Many Surrey residents use urban roads, which often have bike lanes and pedestrian walkways. These roads can be busy with vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians trying to cross intersections or navigate crosswalks.
Driver Tips:
- Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, even if they are not marked, as many pedestrians may cross the road unexpectedly.
- Watch out for cyclists in bike lanes and be aware that cyclists may need to move in and out of bike lanes to avoid obstacles or make turns.

2. Near Parks and Recreational Areas

Key Issue: Parks such as Bear Creek Park, Crescent Beach, and Tynehead Regional Park attract many pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists, making these areas particularly busy. Vehicles often share the same roads as these non-motorized users, especially around park entrances.
Driver Tips:
- Slow down as you approach parks, especially on roads like King George Blvd and 132nd Street, where traffic can be heavy.
- Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists who may unexpectedly enter the roadway from park access points, pathways, or parking lots.

3. School Zones and Residential Areas

Key Issue: Surrey has a large number of schools, and pedestrian and cyclist activity is especially high during school hours. Children walking or cycling to school can be unpredictable, often crossing streets in ways that may catch drivers off guard.
Driver Tips:
- Reduce speed in school zones, especially during pick-up and drop-off hours.
- Always stop for school crossing guards and be cautious around school bus stops.

4. Highways and Major Roads with Mixed-Use Paths

Key Issue: While highways like Highway 1 and the South Fraser Perimeter Road are generally not designed for pedestrians or cyclists, some parts of these roads feature multi-use paths or crossings that allow non-motorized users to navigate them. These crossings and paths can present safety hazards, as drivers may not expect to encounter pedestrians or cyclists.
Driver Tips:
- Be extra cautious at intersections where non-motorized paths cross highways. Pedestrians and cyclists may not always be visible to drivers at fast-moving intersections.
- Pay attention to signs indicating where pedestrians or cyclists might cross, especially in high-speed areas.

Best Practices for Drivers When Sharing the Road with Pedestrians and Cyclists

Ensuring pedestrian and cyclist safety requires drivers to be vigilant, respectful, and proactive. Here are several best practices drivers should follow when sharing the road with non-motorized users in Surrey.

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Always stay alert to your surroundings, especially in areas with high pedestrian or cyclist traffic.
Keep an eye out for cyclists riding in bike lanes, and make sure to check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
Watch for pedestrians at crosswalks and be prepared to stop if someone is waiting to cross.

2. Follow Speed Limits and Adjust for Conditions

Always obey posted speed limits, and be mindful of the changing traffic conditions, especially in areas with high pedestrian or cyclist traffic, such as near parks, schools, and busy shopping areas.
Reduce your speed in areas with heavy foot or bike traffic, and exercise caution when passing cyclists or pedestrians.

3. Give Cyclists Plenty of Space

When passing cyclists, make sure to leave at least one meter of space between your vehicle and the cyclist.
Be aware that cyclists often need to swerve around potholes, debris, or other obstacles, and they may not always be in a designated bike lane. Always pass them with care and respect.

4. Stop for Pedestrians at Crosswalks

Pedestrian Priority: Always yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road at marked crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right of way, even if the light is green for cars.
Be cautious around unmarked crosswalks, as pedestrians may still cross the street there.

5. Signal and Watch for Turning Movements

When making turns at intersections, always signal your intentions and check for pedestrians or cyclists who might be crossing or riding near the corner.
Look both ways before turning, even if you have a green light, as pedestrians or cyclists may be crossing unexpectedly.

6. Stay Off the Sidewalks

Always keep your vehicle off the sidewalk to ensure pedestrians have a safe path to walk.
Avoid blocking crosswalks when stopped at intersections to give pedestrians ample space to cross the road.

Promoting Road Safety: Education and Community Engagement

Ensuring safety on Surrey’s highways isn’t just the responsibility of drivers. It’s important for pedestrians, cyclists, and local authorities to work together in creating a safer environment for everyone.

For Cyclists and Pedestrians: Education campaigns can help raise awareness about the importance of wearing helmets, using crosswalks, and following traffic signals.
For Drivers: Participating in awareness programs and refreshing knowledge on pedestrian and cyclist laws can help reinforce safe driving practices.
For Local Authorities: Cities and municipalities can implement more bike lanes, improve signage, and upgrade pedestrian crossings to ensure both motorized and non-motorized road users are protected.

Conclusion

Pedestrian and cyclist safety on Surrey’s highways and urban streets is a critical issue, especially as the city continues to grow and diversify its transportation options. Drivers play an essential role in ensuring everyone’s safety by being attentive, reducing speed, and giving cyclists and pedestrians the space and respect they deserve. By fostering a greater understanding of how to safely interact with non-motorized road users, we can help make Surrey a safer, more accessible city for everyone.

Whether you’re navigating through busy school zones, passing through a park, or cruising down one of Surrey’s main highways, keeping these safety tips in mind can help prevent accidents and make sure the road remains a safe place for all users.