Police reminder to Vancouver cyclists stirs up online safety discussion
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) recently posted a video reminding cyclists about road safety, and it has stirred up a lot of discussion online.
Last week, VPD shared the video, which was segment of a three-part series filmed a few years ago, as part of its “ongoing commitment to education and safety.”
It features VPD Constable Jason Doucette approaching cyclists in the city’s West End to talk about the rules of the road.
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In multiple clips, Doucette can be seen reminding cyclists that they didn’t stop at the stop sign.
One person is riding their bike on the “wrong side of the road” with Doucette reminding them they’re riding into oncoming traffic.
One cyclist can be seen failing to stop at the stop sign, and they’re not wearing a helmet.
Although the video itself was originally posted in 2023, that didn’t stop commenters from sharing their thoughts about cyclists in Vancouver.
“As a cyclist, I feel so bad for drivers… So many cyclists think they rule the road, but we need to be careful,” stated one local.
“Love this!!! Thank you!! Cyclists are the most dangerous on the road because they are unpredictable to a driver!” argued another, “Sometimes they behave as a pedestrian, sometimes a car, sometimes a cyclist. I never know what they are going to do.”
One person argued that the “greatest threat to safety in this city is motor vehicles.”
“Drivers, including VPD officers, do not stop at stop signs. Come to my neighbourhood and join me for a walk with my dog,” they wrote.Â
Another commenter also noted that drivers need to be reprimanded more.
“As a pedestrian. I was nearly hit four times today walking around Mount Pleasant, by cars that rolled through stop signs,” they said.
The VPD also recently posted video reminders for drivers and pedestrians.
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According to ICBC’s latest data, there were 2,090 crash incidents in the Lower Mainland involving cyclists and 2,530 involving pedestrians in 2024.
The number of hit-and-run incidents in the region in 2024 was recorded at 39,676.
ICBC also recently released data on the Lower Mainland’s worst intersections for crashes.
ICBC
ICBC noted the number of crashes across the province has steadily increased over the last five years to 303,593 in 2024, though there was a significant drop in accidents that occurred during the pandemic.
The most dangerous intersection is the Alex Fraser Bridge and Cliveden Avenue on-and-off ramps at Highway 91 in Delta and Richmond, with a crash count of nearly 500.
Coming in second is the 264 Street and 56 Avenue onramp and offramp for Highway 1 in Langley.
What are your thoughts on the VPD’s reminders for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers? Let us know in the comments.
With files from Daniel Chai
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