With the installation of a new pedestrian crosswalk in Bancroft, OPP are using it as an opportunity to remind everyone of the rules regarding crosswalks.
A new crosswalk – a designated pedestrian-crossing area with no traffic lights – has been installed on Hastings Street North.
Drivers, pedestrians and even cyclists should remember the following at a crosswalk:
Drivers:
· Drivers, including cyclists, must stop and allow pedestrians to cross.
· They must remain stopped until pedestrians have completely stepped onto the opposite sidewalk.
· Drivers must yield the whole roadway to pedestrians.
· Do not pass any vehicle within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover.
· Never pass a vehicle that has stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the road.
Pedestrians:
· Pedestrians may push a button to make overhead yellow lights flash to warn drivers.
· Pedestrians should point across the road to show they want to cross before entering the roadway.
· Look both ways, make eye contact with drivers to ensure vehicles clearly see you, and indicate that you want to cross.
· If a vehicle is too close to safely stop, allow the vehicle to proceed before entering the crosswalk.
· Only cross when it is safe to do so.
Fines
· Cyclists – an $85 fine may be issued to cyclists for failing to dismount from their bicycle and walk across the road at a pedestrian crossover. When riding through a crossover, cyclists face the same fines as drivers as they are considered vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act.
· Pedestrians – a $35 fine may be issued to pedestrians for moving into the path of a moving vehicle that is so close to the crossover it is unable to stop safely.
· Drivers – up to $1,000 and four demerit points may be issued to drivers for failing to yield at a pedestrian crosswalk.
