Drivers Reminded to Slow Down and Watch for Pedestrians as Days Get Shorter

City Advances Pedestrian Safety with 2025 Phase of Crosswalk Enhancement Program  

Maple Ridge, B.C., Nov 3, 2025 — With the end of daylight saving time bringing darker evenings and reduced visibility, the City of Maple Ridge is reminding drivers to slow down and watch for pedestrians. The call comes as the City continues to deliver on its commitment to pedestrian safety through ongoing investments, including 30 crosswalks upgraded in 2024, over 30 crossing locations enhanced in 2025 so far, and 15 more locations planned before the end of the year.

These upgrades are part of the City’s Crosswalk Enhancement Program and many feature solar-powered Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs). Key locations for RRFBs include near schools, parks, and community centres, helping ensure pedestrians are more visible to drivers during low-light conditions.

“These new crossings, along with additional upgrades planned through next year, help ensure that our residents are seen and safe, particularly during the darker winter months,” said Mayor Ruimy. “We’ve made significant investments to improve pedestrian safety, but it takes everyone’s attention and care on the road to truly make a difference.”

Looking Ahead 

With the City on track to completing a 2024/2025 total of over 75 crosswalk upgrades, planning is already underway for 2026 pedestrian safety enhancements, including additional RRFB installations, intersection upgrades, and sidewalk improvements. These ongoing efforts reflect the City’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and accessibility to ensure Maple Ridge remains a great place to walk, bike, and drive safely all year round. 

Safety Starts with All of Us

To help everyone stay safe during darker evenings, the City is reminding residents of the ABCDs of Pedestrian and Driver Safety:

  • A — Alert: Stay focused and avoid distractions such as phones or headphones. Watch for pedestrians crossing mid-block or between parked cars.
  • B — Bright: Wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights or reflectors to make yourself visible to drivers.
  • C — Cross Safely: Use crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals. Look left-right-left and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
  • D — Decrease Speed: Slow down, especially near schools, playgrounds, and residential areas. Playground zones are 30 km/h from dawn to dusk.

The City also supports the following education and enforcement programs that promote safe travel:

  • Ride the Road Program: A HUB Cycling program building cycling skills and confidence.
  • I Wanna Walk Program: Helping children aged 8+ learn how to plan safe walking routes. Learn more at MapleRidge.ca/Program-Guide.
  • Road Safety Program: RCMP and volunteers monitor school zones, educating drivers on the importance of slowing down. MapleRidge.ca/RoadSafety

For more active school travel and safety tips and initiatives, visit MapleRidge.ca/SchoolTravel.

How Residents Can Help

Residents are encouraged to identify areas where pedestrian safety could be improved by submitting requests online at MapleRidge.ca/Report. All requests are reviewed using the City’s defined evaluation criteria and prioritized accordingly.

For immediate concerns related to lighting or signal issues:

For more information about the City’s pedestrian safety initiatives, visit  MapleRidge.ca/Crosswalks.

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For additional information, contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement 
T  604 467-4319 C 778-955-4249 
E  PPurewal@MapleRidge.ca