The "Safe Passage Initiative" project is dedicated to enhancing road safety in areas with high pedestrian activity, particularly near schools, colleges, and early childhood education (ECE) centers. Recognizing the persistent issue of vehicles exceeding speed limits (despite existing signage indicating 30KM/hour max), this initiative proposes a multifaceted approach to enforce safer speeds and create a secure environment for all road users.
Key components include supporting the installation of radar speed detection signs and community engagement with physical road modifications like speed bumps. By implementing these strategies, the "Safe Passage Initiative" seeks to transform these high-risk zones into areas where road user deaths and serious injuries are virtually eliminated, ensuring a safe environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
The need for this project stems from observed dangerous driving behaviors in these zones. Consistent community feedback demonstrates the high incidence of speeding in areas densely populated with vulnerable road users, specifically near schools, colleges, and early childhood education (ECE) centers. Despite the presence of posted speed limits of 30KM/hour, digital speed radar signs, road markings, and warnings, there has been a notable disregard for these measures, posing a significant risk to pedestrians, particularly young students and children.
Regular reports from band members, school staff, parents, and children highlight incidents of speeding, emphasizing a widespread concern for the safety of children and other pedestrians. Additionally, our informal traffic studies in these areas have shown a high percentage of vehicles exceeding the posted speed limits, especially during peak hours corresponding with school start and end times.
By installing speed bumps, the aim is to:
The success of similar measures in other communities further validates the effectiveness of speed bumps in enhancing road safety. This initiative directly aligns with Vision Zero’s goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on the road by creating safer environments for all road users. With winter road conditions on the horizon, the "Safe Passage Initiative" is not just a traffic calming project, but a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of our community’s most vulnerable members.
Photo source: Shutterstock. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.
