As winter weather in Quebec slowly transitions to spring, the roads and lanes, including those on McGill’s campuses, will soon get busier with cyclists and pedestrians. We can all share the road safely by keeping in mind a few basic rules and guidelines.
Below are some reminders for both cyclists and pedestrians on how to stay safe on public roads and on McGill’s campuses and property.
Cyclists
- Obey traffic signs and signals: Cyclists must always obey traffic signs and traffic lights. For example, when approaching a red light or a stop sign, a cyclist should come to a complete stop, even if the way is clear.
- Be courteous: Cyclists should yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Don’t cycle on sidewalks, except in case of necessity or when directed or authorized to do so by a sign or signal. In such a case, the cyclist must ride at a low speed and give pedestrians the right of way.
- Keep to the right: If there is more than one lane, choose the right lane and ride in a straight line. Do not zigzag. Before changing lanes or making a turn, signal your intentions. Never go against the flow of traffic, unless signs indicate otherwise or in case of necessity.
- Eliminate distractions: Stay focused and don’t wear earphones or headphones that cover one or both ears. It is prohibited by the Highway Safety Code.
- Riding an electric bike: If you are riding an electric bike, the Highway Safety Code requires that you wear a bike helmet. For more information, including rules that apply to riding an electric bike, visit the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec’s website regarding electric bikes.
- Lock your bike on campus: Looking for somewhere to lock up your bicycle? Visit McGill’s Transport website for helpful maps and other information for cyclists. Please avoid locking bikes to railings, gates, trees and construction fencing. Note that McGill is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged bicycles/locks.
- Reporting a safety issue: Notice a hazard on campus? Report a safety issue affecting a campus roadway by contacting Security Services (514-398-3000 for the downtown campus, 514-398-7777 at Macdonald).
Pedestrians
- Obey traffic signs and signals: Pedestrians must obey the pedestrian lights at intersections. If there are no pedestrian lights, pedestrians must obey traffic lights. Cross at the closest intersection or pedestrian crosswalk.
- Be safe and visible: Try to make eye contact with cyclists and drivers, and otherwise assume they have not seen you. Avoid placing yourself in a heavy vehicle’s blind spots. Remember that a driver won't hear you if you try to signal your presence by shouting.
- Use common sense: Walk on the sidewalk or, if there is no sidewalk, walk along the side of the roadway. Check traffic before crossing.
- Eliminate distractions: Stay focused and avoid distractions when walking, especially when crossing an intersection.
Increased risk
Please be mindful that the risk of an accident increases when visibility is impacted as a result of the weather or during periods of the year when the sun sets early. It is important to be extra careful and pay particular attention to your surroundings when walking or cycling at night or when facing extreme weather.
Reporting an accident
Report an accident on campus to:
- Security Services
- Downtown campus: 514-398-3000.
- Macdonald campus: 514-398-7777.
And
- Risk Advisory and Insurance Services:
- Supportrisk.insurance [at] mcgill.ca;
- Include a copy of the Security Incident Report and/or Police Report.
As a risk analyst at McGill since 2005, Melissa Ng Wan deals with assessing and preventing potential risk exposures to ensure the safety and security of the university community through insurance and other risk transfer methods.
Risk Advisory and Insurance Services (RAIS) promotes and advances the use of risk management practices in order to protect McGill University's human and physical resources against potential loss and minimize the adverse affects should a loss occur. From research involving animals, cells and rockets, to teaching medicine, music and law, to building operation, maintenance and renovation, what goes on at a university can be a risky business. Prevention plays an essential part in the management of these risks. RAIS is happy to bring you this series of important prevention reminders to help minimize the risk of loss and damages.