Ontario Pedestrian Safety Campaign 2014: “Walk Your Kids to School Challenge”

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory, Ontario Pedestrian Safety Campaign 2014, “Walk Your Kids to School Challenge”, Thursday, April 24, 2014, 9:00 a.m., Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School

Thursday, April 24, 2014 - 5:00 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 9 a.m., at Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School, located at 95 Falkirk Street, the Toronto Police Service, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ministry of Transportation, will embark on a four-week pedestrian safety education campaign entitled, “Walk Your Kids to School Challenge”.

The Pedestrian Safety Campaign “Walk Your Kids to School Challenge” is a public awareness campaign that is aimed at increasing pedestrian safety among school-aged children and reducing vehicle-pedestrian conflicts around school areas.

The “Walk Your Kids to School Challenge” goal is to:
• Increase awareness on pedestrian safety
• Reduce collisions and injuries in school zones
• Reduce traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up times
• Reduce parking issues on school property

The contest is open to any public elementary school in urban areas within the province of Ontario. The four week contest is a challenge between classes in schools to have the most number of students who walk with a parent or guardian instead of being driven to and from school. Public education materials as well as other collateral materials will be provided to participating schools.

The kick-off for this event will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School, 95 Falkirk Street. The event will run from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

All pedestrians are encouraged to observe the following safety rules:


• Do the BRIGHT thing! - Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips when possible, when walking in dusk or darkness.
• Be alert, visible and aware of what is around you at all times on any road.
• Cross the street at marked intersections and crosswalks.
• Obey traffic signals and signs.
• Look all ways before you cross the street.
• Watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering and leaving
driveways.
• Cross the road when traffic has come to a complete stop and make sure drivers see you before you cross.
• Play in a safe area away from road traffic or near parked cars
• Do not wear distracting equipment such as headphones when crossing the road.
• Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, when there are no
Sidewalks available.

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility; please do your part!

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services