Despite all the usual warnings, the streets around the Lower Mainland have been particularly deadly for pedestrians this fall.
Just two weeks ago, an 18-year-old woman was hit and killed near Duthie Avenue and Burnaby Mountain Parkway.
In that case, police believe the teen wasn’t using a crosswalk or intersection to cross the street.
The fatality, and others around the region have prompted Burnaby RCMP to hold three public meetings in the community focused on pedestrian safety.
The first meeting is on Monday (Nov. 28) at Confederation Community Centre, in the main foyer, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We’re really concerned. We want to educate the public and particularly this time of year with the time change and it becoming darker and also the inclement weather,” said Burnaby RCMP Staff Sgt. Maj. John Buis. “We’ve had a number of people killed lately, and it’s not right.”
While local Mounties hold public safety meetings throughout the year on myriad topics, Buis noted the force will also put together events quickly to respond to a particular situation.
The meetings will essentially be an opportunity for the public to get some education on how best to stay safe on the streets.
Tom Webster, a road safety coordinator with ICBC, said this is the time of year pedestrian crash stats start to go up.
As for the fatal crash near SFU, he said the specific spot at Duthie and Burnaby Mountain Parkway hasn’t been particularly troublesome, but ICBC will be discussing the incident with the city and RCMP at a future traffic safety committee meeting.
“With every fatality … whenever something is brought up, we always take a look at it,” Webster told the NOW, adding ICBC has a road improvement plan where, if a location is identified as troublesome, the Crown corporation can provide supplemental funding to the city for road changes.
Before it gets to that point, the RCMP have some tips for pedestrians to stay safe.
Police suggested people wear bright clothing with reflectors and not assume drivers can see them.
Other public safety meetings on the topic will be held at SFU, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby bus loop and common areas, Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Bonsor Recreation Complex, main foyer, 6550 Bonsor Ave., Dec. 7, 9 to 11 a.m.
Free reflectors will be available at the meetings.
