Shift to a Nicer Gear….Share the Road Do you recall darting across a busy street, regardless of whether it was unsafe to cross, just to save a few seconds of waiting at an intersection? Have you ever tailgated impatiently or splashed a pedestrian or cyclist when driving through a puddle? When you cycle, do you sometimes use the sidewalk, forcing pedestrians to jump out of your way? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are not alone. All of us, at one time or another, have been guilty of complacency on our roads. The City's Shift to a Nicer Gear… Share the Road campaign underlines the importance of being courteous and cautious when you are commuting, and offers a timely refresher on how you can help make Ottawa's roadways safer. Regardless of how you choose to get around, it is important to recognize that you must always yield the right of way and watch out for other commuters. Establishing eye contact, where possible, is always the best approach. Disregarding the rights of other road users endangers your safety and the safety of those around you, but it can also cost you. Here is a chart of some typical roadway infractions, and the hefty fines they carry. When you are on the road, always be mindful of other pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Remember, you are sharing the road with other people, not simply with cars, trucks and bicycles! |
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