Traffic Safety Program
York Region’s goal is to reduce the number and severity of collisions that happen on Regional roads. The safety of all Regional roads and intersections is appraised yearly. Based on the results, York Region can see which roads and intersections can be improved.
The findings are then used to:
- Enforce the law
- Improve the design of new roads in The Region
- Make improvements to roads and intersections
- Raise public awareness
Traffic Safety Initiatives
At priority locations on Regional roads, new measures are in place to improve safety. A suite of measures is helping to slow motorists down, prevent collisions and protect the most vulnerable road users. Data is gathered to measure effectiveness and support future road safety plans.
The table below highlights recent traffic safety initiatives and shares study results.
Measure | Results | Locations |
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"Slow School Zone" pavement markings ![]() |
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Lane realignment ![]() |
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All way stops ![]() |
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Planned for 2023:
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Roundabouts in other jurisdictions include:
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School zone speed limit reductions ![]() |
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Pedestrian and cyclist pilot measures ![]() |
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More information about traffic is available on the traffic page: york.ca/traffic.
Annual Traffic Safety Report
The Annual Traffic Safety Report is produced by the Transportation Services Department. The purpose of this report is to provide an understanding of road safety trends on York Region roads.In addition, this report supports the planning and execution of coordinated law enforcement, road safety improvements, and public education campaigns for travellers in York Region.
York Region Traveller Safety Plan 2023-2027
2020 Traveller Safety Report (previously named Traffic Safety Report)
2019 Annual Traffic Safety Report
2017 Annual Traffic Safety Report
Safety Tips for Motorists Traveling Through Construction Zones
Many construction workers are injured or killed each year when working on roads. When driving through construction zones motorists must:
- Slow down early when approaching construction zones
- Be patient and obey signs and signal persons
- Merge well in advance when lanes are being funnelled down
- Avoid lane changes, give yourself extra following space and be ready to stop
- Do not speed up quickly when leaving construction zones
- Do not pass construction vehicles when their amber lights are flashing
- Plan ahead and expect delays
Safety Tips for Pedestrians Through Construction Zones
- It is very important to obey ALL work zone signs, workers and pavement markings
- Watch where you are going. Your primary responsibility is to walk through the work zone as safely as you can
- Orange Work Zone Signs – these signs communicate to drivers and pedestrians what is going on and how to travel safely through the work zone. They can also indicate that a sidewalk is closed and that a detour must be taken
- Pavement Markings –painted or taped lines on the pavement separate car travel lanes and can also indicate pedestrian walking paths
- During construction, some sidewalks may be closed. Pedestrians may be required to move to the other side of the road or to a temporary pedestrian walkway
- Use designated pedestrian crosswalks and traffic lights to cross the street before reaching a construction zone and DO NOT cross in the middle of the road
- Please DO NOT walk on the roadway beside the barriers
- Please be alert and aware of your surroundings when travelling near construction areas
Safety Tips for E-scooters and E-bikes

E-Bikes
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are becoming a popular way to get around York Region.
Know the rules of the road so you can ride safely:
- Wear a helmet
- Only ride where permitted
- Be visible
- Be courteous
Know the rules of the road
To operate an e-bike, you MUST be 16 years or older.
E-bike operators MUST follow the rules of the road under the Highway Traffic Act. The same rules as regular cyclists apply. There are fines for violations.
It is illegal to modify the electric motor of an e-bike to make it more powerful or increase its speed.
Wear a helmet
All e-bike riders MUST wear a CSA-approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet.
Only ride where permitted
Before planning your trip by e-bike, check with your local town, city or region for relevant bylaws as to where you can ride.
Be courteous
Always yield to pedestrians – slow on approach, ring bell or horn, pass on the left.
Use a bell to alert others that you are approaching.
Be visible
Wear reflective clothing. There are requirements for lights, a bell / horn, reflectors and reflective materials.
If you require a bike light or bell contact @email (while quantities last).
Resources
Bicycle safety: yrp.ca/bikesafety
Cycling maps and resources: york.ca/cycling
E-bike requirements and information: ontario.ca/transportation

E-Scooters
Electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) are becoming a popular way to get around York Region.
Know the rules of the road so you can ride safely:
- Wear a helmet
- Only ride where permitted
- Be visible
- Be courteous
Know the rules of the road
To operate an e-scooter, you MUST be 16 years or older.
Passengers, cargo and baskets are NOT permitted.
E-scooter operators MUST follow the rules of the road under the Highway Traffic Act. The same rules as regular cyclists apply. There are fines for violations.
It is illegal to modify the motor of an e-scooter to make it more powerful or increase its speed.
Wear a helmet
All e-scooter riders under 18 years of age MUST wear a CSA-approved bicycle helmet. Helmets are recommended for all ages.
Only ride where permitted
Before planning your trip, check with your local town, city or region for relevant bylaws as to where you can ride.
Be visible
Wear reflective clothing and use reflective equipment. A front and back light, reflective tape, and a bell / horn are required.
Be courteous
Always yield to pedestrians – slow on approach, ring the bell or horn to alert that you are approaching, pass on the left. If you require a bike light or bell contact @email (while quantities last).
Resources
Bicycle safety: yrp.ca/bikesafety
Cycling maps and resources: york.ca/cycling
E-scooter pilot and requirements: ontario.ca/escooters
Tips for Motorists
Motorists play a very important role in keeping the streets safe. There are some simple things that motorists can do to make sure that they can see pedestrians when it is dark out and avoid collisions:
- Approach intersections with caution
- Make full stops at stop signs
- Keep windshields clean, both inside and out
- Adjust driving to the conditions of the road
- Keep windshield wipers in good repair
- Obey speed limits in school areas, school zones and community safety zones
Learn more about sharing the road with other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, on the Ministry of Transportation's website.
Tips for Pedestrians
The clothing that pedestrians wear can play an important part in keeping them safe while walking, running or cycling. Pedestrians can make sure that motorists can see them at night by:
- Wearing reflective clothing
- Attaching a small flashing light to their clothing
- Only crossing the street at intersections and crosswalks
- Wearing light or bright colours instead of dark clothing
- Obeying all pedestrian signals
Video Tips for Kids
Video Tips for Teens
Road Safety Calendar 2023

Road Safety Events Calendar 2023 (PDF)
JANUARY |
APRIL |
JULY |
OCTOBER |
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FEBRUARY |
MAY |
AUGUST |
NOVEMBER |
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MARCH |
JUNE |
SEPTEMBER |
DECEMBER |
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