Drivers and pedestrians reminded to exercise caution in school zones.
Drivers and pedestrians are reminded to stay safe on the roads and be mindful of school zones as students of all ages head back to class next week.
An increase in vehicle traffic is also expected as people return to work after summer vacations. Community safety is a shared responsibility, and Coquitlam’s streets, sidewalks and school zones will be busy with back-to-school excitement.
For the safety of school children, residents are urged to follow City of Coquitlam bylaws and BC Motor Vehicle Act laws. This includes obeying the reduced 30 km/h speed zones around schools that are effective from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days, and the 30 km/h speed limit in playground zones every day from dawn to dusk.
Drivers, cyclists, and other micromobility users must yield to pedestrians at all intersections, even without pavement markings, signs, or traffic signals. It is crucial to obey all traffic signs and walk young children between home and school if possible.
Consider carpooling with other parents, and if driving is necessary, stop in areas where parking is legally permitted. Drivers are allowed to stop in pick-up/drop-off parking zones for up to three minutes while actively loading or unloading passengers, provided it is safe.
Stopping in a pick-up/drop-off zone for other reasons is illegal. Do not drop off or pick up students in no-stopping zones, which help maintain clear travel lanes and visibility.
Drivers are also reminded not to stop or park across a crosswalk or within six meters to maintain sightlines, and not to block a fire hydrant or driveway. Distracted driving is discouraged, as it is important to watch for children walking, cycling, or riding a scooter.
Always check around your vehicle before driving to ensure no children are hidden from view, and look for pedestrians when backing up.
Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement Officers will be stepping up enforcement around school zones, warning and ticketing drivers throughout September. Coquitlam RCMP will collaborate with Bylaw Enforcement to enhance education efforts in schools.
Aaron Hilgerdenaar, Manager of Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Services, is available for media contact at bylawenforcement@coquitlam.ca or 604-927-3580.
The City acknowledges that the name Coquitlam is derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, meaning ‘Red Fish Up the River’. Coquitlam is honored to be located on the traditional and ancestral lands of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, including areas historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ and other Coast Salish Peoples.