One of the things we’ve been observing during the pandemic is more people walking. It’s safer than being indoors. You get healthy low-impact exercise and it can be social as well.
When the streets have sidewalks, it’s a no-brainer. But what about when the street has no sidewalks, as on a number of streets in Long Branch?
When I was young and growing up, I lived in a neighbourhood where there were no sidewalks, and I walked to school. I was taught to always walk on the side the the road facing oncoming traffic. Common sense from Moms and teachers.
Apparently, there is something in the laws about this. According to section 179, subsection 1 of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act:
“Where sidewalks are not provided on a highway, a pedestrian walking along the highway shall walk on the left side thereof facing oncoming traffic and, when walking along the roadway, shall walk as close to the left edge thereof as possible.”
If you are walking on the side of the road, traveling in the same direction as vehicles, it can be hard to hear them approaching. Even harder if the vehicle is a bicycle, which is usually very quiet.
When you can’t see traffic approaching you, you are not aware of imminent danger if a car has to swerve to avoid something or someone behind you.
It’s also easier to socially distance when everyone is walking in the same direction on the same side of the street.
A note to motorists and cyclists: when you are approaching someone walking on the same side of the street as you are driving and you can see their backs are turned to you, give a quick toot of the horn (or a ring of the bell on a bicycle) to warn them of your presence.
The Globe and Mail ran an article on this topic on October 30th. Same message. Click Here to read it.