Pedestrians

Life must present quite a challenge when you are no longer able to walk very far under your own power. Mobility scooters are a blessing for those who can afford one. They have much greater range today than predecessors that were powered for however long your arms could push.

Few people leave their homes without paying some attention to how they are dressed. When we choose our clothing suit our personality are we thinking about how we will appear to other road users when we are pedestrians after dark? The right choice of clothing for your next walk at night could be critical!

This week's correspondence contained a request to explain what pedestrian signals mean. The gentleman who sent me the e-mail expressed the opinion that many people either did not know what pedestrian signals mean or choose to deliberately disobey them. Would I please explain so that they would know what to do.

Question: Please comment on the subject of when a vehicle claims the crosswalk and what pedestrians must do and not do in that situation. Pedestrians seldom wait for vehicles that have lawfully claimed the crosswalk. Sometimes they get upset with drivers and now there is conflict while the driver attempts to complete a maneuver and the pedestrian actively impedes the flow of traffic.

This question is regarding pedestrian controlled crossings with the flashing yellow lights. I know that you have written many articles regarding pedestrians and have quoted the applicable sections of the Act. However, I am still not 100% sure of the requirements of these particular crossings.

My university workplace has just erected signage at a pedestrian crossing leading to a parking lot and I am just trying to determine if this is in contravention of current pedestrian right of way laws in BC. I want to have all my facts before I submit a formal complaint.

Effective on June 3, 2024 a new division called Electric Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters has been added to the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations. Division 38A defines the terms "electric wheelchairs" and "mobility scooters," designates them as personal mobility devices and creates an offence for operating them dangerously.

Question: I have been wondering about pedestrians and pedestrian signals in Vancouver. Long after their signal has turned to 'Don't Walk' - giving motorists a chance to complete a turn - they continue to fill the crosswalks like they had some kind of right of way!

As we learned in last week's article about passing pedestrians and cyclists, amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act effective on June 3, 2024 will change the way that drivers must behave around vulnerable road users. Following distances for pedestrians and cyclists are changing as well.

Effective June 3, 2024 drivers passing pedestrians, cyclists or other prescribed persons will be subject to new rules in the Motor Vehicle Act. The rules are designed to provide better protection for vulnerable road users by establishing minimum separation distances from passing vehicles.