Slow Down

Pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable travellers on the road network. The rates of injuries they sustain are higher compared to other modes of travel. More than 90% of pedestrian collisions and more than 80% of cyclist collisions result in injuries or fatalities.

To keep pedestrians and cyclists safe, drivers need to take extra care, especially when travelling through school areas, residential areas and near playgrounds.

York Region continues to identify strategies and measures to change driver behaviour and stop speeding.

Image of the Police officer pulling over a speeding driver

Share the road

There are more cyclists on the roads in August and September. Drivers, please slow down and share the road.

The cycling community continues to grow in York Region. Residents and visitors are riding for purpose and pleasure - enjoying the Region’s protected and on-road bike lanes, multi-use paths, trails and shared roadways.

Road safety measures continue to be a priority. In 2022, cyclists sustained injuries in 86% of all cyclist collisions. Drivers need to slow down and watch for cyclists, especially at intersections and when it’s necessary to enter or cross a bike lane. More than 80% of cyclist collisions occur at intersections where vehicles are turning.

Visit the Ministry of Transportation Ontario website for resources on sharing the road with cyclists and other road users.

image of a group of cyclists riding in a straight line along the edge of an urban road
Tips for motorists and cyclists on rural roads

For Motorists:

  1. Share the Road - give cyclists at least one metre of space when passing
  2. When approaching a group of cyclists, slow down and wait until its safe to pass - looking for oncoming traffic and good sightlines (do not pass on a hill/sharp curve)
  3. Be prepared for cyclists to move laterally on the roads. They have to avoid potholes and obstacles while riding
  4. Have patience. It may slow you down but unsafe driving around cyclists can cost them their lives

For Cyclists:

  1. Ride tight to the right side of the road as much as possible, leaving space for passing motorists
  2. When riding in groups, do not ride with more than two abreast. It provides space and shortens the amount of time it takes a motorist to pass your group
  3. Always ride with front and rear lights in use, it increases visibility and your safety
  4. Anticipate having to stop for motorists at all intersections and driveways, even if you have the 'right of way'. Mistakes are made and this could save your life
  5. Ride with a I.D. bracelet that contains your name, medical info and emergency contact in case of an emergency

Cyclists can ride safely by:

  • Equipping bicycles to meet Ontario law requirements
  • Wearing a properly fitting helmet
  • Using hand signals
  • Checking over shoulders
  • Scanning intersections
  • Proceeding only when it's safe
  • Maintaining a safe distance

View our Cycling Safety Factsheet

For more cycling information and safety tips visit york.ca/cycling

Speed limit revisions

Growing communities and changing travel behaviours require revisions to speed limits on Regional roads. York Regional Council approves revisions to speed limits on Regional roads.

To notify travellers of the speed limit changes, speed limit signs are placed at the beginning of each changed speed zone, and for the first 60 to 90 days include a sign on the top with the word “NEW”.

Reduced speed limit locations 2025

Roads with revised speed limits:

Town of Georgina:
  • Victoria Road from:
    • North limit of Minonen Road to 30 metres northeast of Old Shiloh Road - 60 km/h to 50km/h 
    • 30 metres northeast of Old Shiloh Road to 230 metres northeast of Old Shiloh Road - 80 km/h to 50 km/h
    • 230 metres northeast of Old Shiloh Road to Lake Ridge Road - 80 km/h to 70 km/h
  • Ravenshoe Road from: 
    • 100 metres west of Concession 5 to 100 metres west of Concession 6 - 80 km/h to 70 km/h
    • 100 metres west of Concession 6 to Victoria Road/Concession 7 - 60 km/h to 50 km/h 
  • Weir’s Sideroad from Ravenshoe Road to 400 metres north of Ravenshoe Road - 60 km/h to 50 km/h
  • Kennedy Road from Baseline Road to 1,100 metres north of Baseline Road - 80 km/h to 70 km/h
Reduced speed limit locations 2024

 Roads with revised speed limits:

  • Woodbine Avenue from Metro Road North to Lake Drive East in the Town of Georgina – 50 km/hr to 30 km/hr
  • Highway 27 from 230 metres south of Oliver Emerson Avenue to 100 metres south of King-Vaughan Road in the Township of King – 70 km/hr to 60 km/hr
  • Weston Road from 210 metres north of King Road to 80 metres south of 16th Sideroad in the Township of King – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
  • Dufferin Street from Lloydtown-Aurora Road/18th Sideroad to 325 metres north of Wellington Street West in the Township of King – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
  • Dufferin Street from 145 metres south of Wellington Street West to 15th Sideroad in the Township of King – 80 km/hr to 70 km/hr
  • Ninth Line from 100 metres north of Bethesda Road (south intersection) to 564 metres south of Bloomington Road in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville – 70 km/hr to 60 km/hr

Road Safety Measures

One of York Region’s top priorities is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. The safety of all Regional roads and intersections is reviewed yearly. Based on the results, York Region can see which roads and intersections can be improved. At priority locations on Regional roads, York Region is focusing on implementing safety measures to protect the most vulnerable road users, including:

  • Installing “SLOW DOWN” pavement markings in community safety zones 
  • Implementing no right turn on red restrictions and protected left turns at priority intersections
  • Collaborating with York Regional Police, local municipalities, Public Health and Public School Boards to address the traveller safety experience
  • Implementing Automated Speed Enforcement and the Red Light Camera program
  • Revising speed limits for growing communities and safe travel
  • Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists - Be aware of one another, obey traffic rules and make eye contact
  • Learn more about road safety measures being implemented across the Region by visiting york.ca/TravellerSafetyPlan

Statistics

  • More than 90% of all collisions involving pedestrians and more than 80% of all collisions involving cyclists result in injuries or fatalities
  • Pedestrians and cyclist collisions primarily occur at signalized intersections
  • About 50% of collisions with pedestrians and cyclists are caused by drivers failing to yield
  • Pedestrians and cyclist collisions involving a turning vehicle make up 62% of all collisions
     

Related Resources