Road Safety

Community Safety Zones indicate sections of roadway where public safety is of high concern.

While driving through a Community Safety Zone, extra attention must be given to pedestrians, surroundings, and vehicle speed.

Cars and bicycles must:

1. Stop behind the bus when lights are flashing in either direction
2. Go when the arm folds away and all lights stop flashing

You must stop whenever you approach a stopped school bus with its upper alternating red lights flashing, and or the stop sign arm folds out with lights stop flashing. Regardless of whether you are behind the bus or approaching it from the front. When approaching the bus from the front, stop at a safe distance for children to get off the bus and cross the road in front of you.

Remain stopped until the arm folds away and all lights stop flashing.

If you are on a road with a median strip, only vehicles coming from behind the bus must stop. A median is a physical barrier such as a raised, lowered, earth or paved strip constructed to separate traffic travelling in different directions. Vehicles cannot cross over a median strip.

When nearing a crossover:

1. Look for pedestrians and flashing lights
2. Stop and wait until all pedestrians have fully crossed the street

Pedestrian crossovers are designated areas that allow pedestrians to safely cross roads where there are no traffic lights.

Always watch for pedestrians and people using wheelchairs at these crossings.

Pedestrians may push a button to make the overhead yellow lights flash to warn drivers that they will be crossing. Pedestrians should point or make an indication to drivers that they want to cross before entering the roadway (try making eye contact when possible).

Drivers including cyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crossover. Once people have cleared the entire roadway, and no other pedestrians are approaching, you may proceed with caution when it is safe.

You must not pass any vehicle within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossover.

When nearing a school:

1. Check your speed
2. Slow down and watch for children
3. Be alert, stay focused

Check where School Crossing Guards are currently located

Where a school-crossing guard displays a red and white stop sign, you must stop before reaching the crossing and remain stopped until all people, including the school crossing guard, have cleared the entire roadway and it is safe to proceed.

If you have any doubts about when it is safe to drive forward, wait until all the children and the guard have cleared the crossing. 

Interactive Map

Use the Interactive Map to view the location of Crossing Guard Stations and School locations throughout Shelburne. This information can assist with planning a walk to school and becoming familiar with where extra precaution and patience must be used while driving.

To view the interactive map click the image below

To View the Crossing Guards and School Locations Map as a PDF click HERE

Cars and bicycles should:

1. Yield to pedestrians when turning at an intersection
2. Turn when the intersection is clear

Be alert as you come to intersections and look carefully for pedestrians, cyclists, other motor vehicles, yield signs, stop signs and traffic lights. Be sure to scan any sidewalks and paths/trails as well as the roadways.

For more information see 'Helpful Resources'

Bike lanes are reserved for cyclists. They are typically marked by a solid white line. Sometimes you will need to enter or cross a bike lane to turn right at a corner or driveway. Take extra care when you do this. Enter the bike lane only after ensuring that you can do so safely, and then make the turn.

Watch for cyclists' hand signals. A cyclist may indicate a right-hand turn by extending their right arm.

Try to make eye contact when possible with cyclists. Visit Sharing the road with cyclists for more information.