Maple Ridge, B.C., January 20, 2025 — The City of Maple Ridge, in partnership with Ridge Meadows RCMP, is reminding drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users to take extra care as winter weather creates poor visibility and hazardous conditions on local roads.
Frosty temperatures, fog, slippery surfaces, and reduced daylight significantly increase risks for everyone, especially pedestrians. In response, the City continues active snow and ice control operations while RCMP increase targeted road safety enforcement and education during the winter season.
Winter conditions can change quickly, and even with proactive maintenance, some roads and sidewalks may remain slippery. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and adjust travel behaviour for winter conditions.
When You Drive in Winter Weather
- Slow down and leave extra space between vehicles.
- Ensure all vehicle lights are working and set correctly to improve visibility.
- Keep windshields clear to reduce glare and replace worn wiper blades if needed.
- Stay focused, avoid distractions, and watch carefully for pedestrians crossing at intersections, mid-block, or between parked vehicles.
- Check tire tread and air pressure to improve traction and handling.
Tips for Pedestrians and Cyclists
- Watch for vehicles turning left or right at intersections.
- Be extra vigilant in low-light or poor visibility conditions.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights or reflectors when possible.
- Choose footwear with good grip, walk slowly on snow or ice, and keep hands free for balance.
- Use crosswalks, obey signals, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
Traffic Safety and Enforcement
Ridge Meadows RCMP’s Road Safety Target Team and other officers conduct ongoing enforcement and education in areas with higher pedestrian collision risk. These efforts target unsafe driving behaviours and reinforce pedestrian safety awareness throughout the fall and winter months. Residents are encouraged to help promote safe driving practices and talk with friends and family about pedestrian safety.
City Snow and Ice Response
The City actively monitors weather conditions and prepares for snow and ice events to help keep roads, sidewalks, and pathways as safe as possible. Crews prioritize plowing and sanding arterial roads, bus routes, emergency routes, school zones, and major pedestrian corridors, followed by residential streets as conditions allow. City parks crews clear sidewalks around civic facilities first, then move to other City-owned sidewalks and pathways as resources permit.
Clearing Snow and Ice from Sidewalks
When it snows, residents and businesses are reminded to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their properties by 10:00 a.m. following a snowfall. This helps ensure safe and accessible travel for pedestrians, including people using mobility aids and those with strollers. Clearing snow early and applying sand or salt can help prevent ice buildup and reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Ongoing Pedestrian Safety Improvements
Alongside winter safety reminders, the City continues to invest in pedestrian infrastructure with 75 crosswalks upgraded over the last two years and more planned for 2026. Many of these upgrades include solar-powered Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, particularly near schools, parks, and community centres, to improve pedestrian visibility during low-light conditions. For more information about the City’s pedestrian safety initiatives, visit MapleRidge.ca/Crosswalks.
The City also supports education and enforcement programs that promote safe travel, including cycling skills training, pedestrian safety education for children, and school-zone monitoring to encourage drivers to slow down. More information is available at MapleRidge.ca/RoadSafety.
Residents are encouraged to help 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.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E media@MapleRidge.ca