Police and Maple Ridge City Hall are reminding drivers to slow down in slippery, dark, winter driving conditions.
The City of Maple Ridge, in partnership with Ridge Meadows RCMP asks drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users to take extra care. Frosty temperatures, fog, slippery surfaces, and reduced daylight significantly increase risks for everyone, especially pedestrians.
The city brines roads to address ice, and RCMP increase targeted road safety enforcement and education during the winter season.
Winter conditions can change quickly, and even with proactive maintenance, some roads and sidewalks may remain slippery. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and adjust travel behaviour for winter conditions.
• Slow down and leave extra space between vehicles.
• Ensure all vehicle lights are working and set correctly to improve visibility.
• Keep windshields clear to reduce glare and replace worn wiper blades if needed.
• Stay focused, avoid distractions, and watch carefully for pedestrians crossing at intersections, mid-block, or between parked vehicles.
• Check tire tread and air pressure to improve traction and handling.
Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to:
• Watch for vehicles turning left or right at intersections.
• Be extra vigilant in low-light or poor visibility conditions.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights or reflectors when possible.
• Choose footwear with good grip, walk slowly on snow or ice, and keep hands free for balance.
• Use crosswalks, obey signals, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
Ridge Meadows RCMP’s Road Safety Target Team and other officers conduct ongoing enforcement and education in areas with higher pedestrian collision risk. These efforts target unsafe driving behaviours and reinforce pedestrian safety awareness throughout the fall and winter months.
The city actively monitors weather conditions and prepares for snow and ice events to help keep roads, sidewalks, and pathways as safe as possible. Crews prioritize plowing and sanding arterial roads, bus routes, emergency routes, school zones, and major pedestrian corridors, followed by residential streets as conditions allow. Parks crews clear sidewalks around civic facilities first, then move to other city-owned sidewalks and pathways as resources permit.
When it snows, residents and businesses are reminded to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their properties by 10 a.m. This helps ensure safe and accessible travel for pedestrians, including people using mobility aids and those with strollers. Clearing snow early and applying sand or salt can help prevent ice buildup and reduce the risk of slips and falls.