Coquitlam urges road safety as students return to school and streets grow busier

Coquitlam is urging residents to slow down, stay alert and watch for others as students return to class next week and regular work and commuting routines resume. The city expects streets, sidewalks and school zones to become busier, and says drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and e-scooter users all have a role in keeping them safe.

The city particularly asked road users to watch for children and families travelling to and from school. It said recent transportation improvements, along with infrastructure projects completed over the summer or still underway, make it important to follow the Provincial Motor Vehicle Act and the city’s Street and Traffic Bylaw.

Coquitlam advises people to stay focused and put away their phones, follow signs, signals and pavement markings, and slow down near schools, intersections and driveways. People should make eye contact before crossing or proceeding through an intersection, give pedestrians, cyclists and scooter users space, and yield at crosswalks and cross-rides. Bike lanes, sidewalks and multi-use paths should be used as intended, with consideration for others sharing the space.

School zones are in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days and carry a 30 km/h speed limit unless otherwise posted. Drivers are asked to use designated pick-up and drop-off areas, avoid stopping in bike lanes or crosswalks, and keep intersections and sightlines clear. Families can reduce congestion by walking, cycling or scooting to school, or by parking a few blocks away and walking the rest of the way. E-scooter riders must be at least 16 and wear a helmet.

Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement and RCMP will increase their presence around school zones throughout September to educate students and parents and enforce the Provincial Motor Vehicle Act and Street and Traffic Bylaw.

The city also reminded road users to account for road work as crews and contractors continue transportation and infrastructure projects in warmer, drier weather. It asks people to watch for workers and equipment, obey traffic-control personnel, signs and construction speed limits, and use alternate routes where possible to avoid delays.

Traffic may be affected by intersection safety improvements at David Avenue and Pipeline Road and at Johnson Street and David Avenue. A Metro Vancouver water-main project on Dewdney Trunk Road between Locarno Drive and Cawthra Court will have single-lane alternating traffic, while a BC Hydro transmission-line project is underway on Como Lake Avenue between Blue Mountain Street and Thermal Drive.

Residents can find safety guidance on the city’s Sharing Our Streets webpage and road-work information on its Traffic Hot Spots webpage. Email traffic bulletins are available through the NotifyMe webpage by selecting Road Work and Construction under News Flash.