Walk Safe in Whistler
Being visible amid Whistler’s dark skies essential for pedestrian safety
A bold awareness campaign, Walk Safe, has been launched with the goal of changing behaviour and ultimately, protecting pedestrians at night. With darkness setting in early evening during the winter season, pedestrians need to ensure they are visible walking through town and across roadways at night. By taking simple precautions and understanding safety hazards, the community can reduce serious and fatal accidents between vehicles and pedestrians in Whistler.
Seasonal workers just arriving to Whistler are often surprised to see the beauty of surrounding mountains in the night sky. Lighting Whistler streets and roadways is designed to enhance the resort’s natural beauty, while the brightly-lit pedestrian walkways of the Village stroll and parts of the Valley Trail guide residents and visitors to village amenities. However, transitioning from the stroll across Highway 99 and into Whistler subdivisions, pedestrians may not realize how dark the streets are, and how drivers often have difficulty seeing walkers crossing roadways.
With this reality, candid messages for Walk Safe highlight how making yourself visible while walking across Whistler roadways at night can in fact, save your life. Using a reflector, head lamp, reflective clothing or staying on lit trails, using crosswalks and walking facing traffic can each make a huge difference for a pedestrian to be visible at night.
Find out more about Walk Safe:
The Walk Safe public service campaign, initiated by the Whistler detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Whistler Fire Rescue Services, has been developed in partnership with the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. Together, with support from local media, business owners and schools, Walk Safe aims become an essential component of life in Whistler.
Related: Rick Mercer’s Rant on Driving in the Dark
