October is Pedestrian Safety Month

BRAMPTON, ON (Oct. 2, 2025) – As the days grow shorter and visibility decreases, Peel Region is reminding everyone—whether walking, cycling, or driving—to stay alert and look out for one another on our roads.

Reduced daylight during dawn and dusk makes it harder to see pedestrians, especially at intersections. More than half of pedestrian-vehicle collisions happen when drivers are turning while pedestrians are crossing with the right-of-way.

If you are walking:

• Cross only at pedestrian crosswalks or crossovers. Avoid crossing mid-block.
• Always press the pedestrian pushbutton to activate the ‘Walk’ signal, giving yourself more time to cross.
• Stop, look, and listen before stepping into the road—even when you have the right-of-way.
• Where possible, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before you proceed.
• Avoid distractions like texting or using headphones while crossing.
• Once the ‘Don’t Walk’ hand signal starts flashing, you can finish crossing, but do not begin to cross. Wait for the next ‘Walk’ signal.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility during night, dawn, and dusk.

If you are cycling:

• If the intersection has bicycle signals, look for a cyclist pushbutton. If there is a button, push it and wait until the bicycle signal is green.
• Ride carefully across the intersection and within the cross ride. Watch for left- and right-turning vehicles to make sure they see you and are yielding.
• Ride at a speed that lets you stop safely when necessary.
• Make sure that your bike lights and reflectors are working properly.

If you are driving:

• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially near intersections.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk.
• It is harder to see pedestrians when it is dark. Be extra cautious in the early morning and at night.
• Give the road your full attention. Avoid distractions like texting, cellphones, and eating while driving.
• Drive within the posted speed limits and adjust your speed in keeping with the weather and traffic conditions.
• Be extra cautious near transit stops where pedestrian activity is higher and less predictable.

Peel Region’s Commitment to Vision Zero

As part of our Vision Zero Road Safety Strategic Plan, Peel Region is working with municipal and community partners to eliminate traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Infrastructure improvements to support pedestrian safety include:

• Installing more pedestrian crossovers to provide safe crossing points.
• Adding crossovers to right-turn channels to give pedestrians the right-of-way.
• Reducing crossing distances by extending curbs and narrowing lanes.
• Implementing leading pedestrian intervals, allowing pedestrians to start crossing before vehicles get a green light.This makes pedestrians more visible to drivers turning left and right.

Whether you are walking, cycling, or driving, we all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe.