Vulnerable Road Users

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Pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists and those road users riding micromobility vehicles such as electric bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are considered to be vulnerable road users since they do not have the protective shell of a vehicle in case of a collision.

Prevalence:

In 2023, 29 % of collision fatalities in Canada were vulnerable road users (15% pedestrians, 2% bicyclists, and 12% motorcyclists) according to Transport Canada’s National Collision Database (NCDB). Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics: 2023. Compared to 2022, pedestrian fatalities declined in 2023 by 1%, motorcyclist fatalities dropped 10% and bicyclist fatalities remained the same. Compared to 2020, pedestrian fatalities decreased by 7%, motorcyclist and bicyclist fatalities dropped 17%.

Countermeasure:
To lessen the toll of death and injury among the most vulnerable road users, a range of countermeasures has been developed. For example, municipalities have implemented a variety of measures in residential areas that include speed humps, narrowed streets, curb extensions, speed limits of 30 or 40 km/hr in school zones and high-pedestrian areas, and the use of automated speed enforcement with cameras. At signalized intersections, effective safety measures separate transportation modes in time and space with protected-only left-turn phases, leading pedestrian intervals where pedestrians cross before vehicles, and separate signal phases for bicycle and pedestrian movements. There are signalized crosswalks midblock that pedestrians can use. Bicycle lanes are being added to many urban streets to separate bicyclists from vehicles thereby providing more protection.

Detailed information on countermeasures for vulnerable road users can be found in the following publications and websites:

While the Safe System Approach promotes improvements in the built environment and road design to protect vulnerable road users, road users can also increase their own safety by practicing risk-reduction behaviours. Some examples are as follows:

  • Pedestrians can protect themselves by respecting traffic signals (e.g., not crossing the street when the light is red), making eye contact with drivers when crossing in front of vehicles, and wearing light-coloured clothing with reflective material at night. Visit: Pedestrian Safety: Road Safety Advocacy (CAA SCO)
  • Bicyclists can protect themselves by wearing a helmet, wearing light-coloured clothing with reflective material, and having front and rear lights when riding at night. Visit: Bike Safety — Sustainability Initiatives (CAA Canada)

    In Canada, bicycle helmets are mandatory in eight provinces, with varying rules for minors and adults. In Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia, helmets are required for all cyclists. In Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta, they are only mandatory for minors. Quebec is the only province where bicycle helmets are voluntary Bicycle Helmet Canadian Legislation Chart