Spring is in the air and with the warmer weather a noted increase in pedestrian and cycling traffic on our paths and roadways. In an effort to keep everyone safe the Medicine Hat Police Service would like to remind everyone of some safety tips:

Tips for drivers:

• As you approach crosswalks or prepare to turn, watch for pedestrians and give them the right-of-way. Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries a fine of $810 and four demerit points.
• Slow down on residential streets and in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
• Watch for vehicles in the next lane who may be stopped or slowing down, for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
• A cyclist operating a cycle on a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties of a person driving a motor vehicle.
• Watch for cyclists making last minute turns or who do not dismount at street and pedestrian crossings.

Tips for pedestrians and cyclists:

• Pedestrians who have the right-of-way when crossing a street, be cautious and watch for drivers who may not see you.
• Cross streets at crosswalks, especially signaled ones whenever possible. Avoid jaywalking.
• At night or in low-light conditions, take extra caution to make sure drivers see you.
• A pedestrian who is crossing the street other than at a crosswalk shall yield the right of way to vehicles on the roadway.
• Cyclists must dismount at pedestrian crossings to be treated as a pedestrian.
• Cyclists must ride in the far right side of the roadway as to not impede traffic.
• Cyclists should wear road safe clothing with fluorescent striping to catch driver’s attention.
• Cycles must be equipped with lights and reflectors and everyone should wear safety helmets.
• When operating on the trail system, cyclists should slow and yield to pedestrians where applicable.
• E-bikes must only be operated by persons 12 yrs old and over.
• The maximum motor size is 500 watts and reach a top speed of 32km/hr.
• Operators must wear a helmet and not have a passenger unless another seat is provided.
• All other cycling rules apply to e-bikes.

For more information contact:

Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471