Sue Sauve, the city’s former transportation demand management planner, said Peterborough needs an “evidence-based transportation safety plan.” (Photo: Brett Throop) You’re reading the March 11, 2025, edition of the Peterborough Currents email newsletter. To receive our email newsletters straight to your inbox, sign up here. Good afternoon, and welcome to the Peterborough Currents newsletter. A new campaign promoting street safety in Peterborough is suggesting that pedestrians should avoid walking after dark among other advice. Advocates for pedestrian safety argue that this guidance isn’t helpful and overlooks what’s truly necessary to enhance safety for walkers in the area. Also in this newsletter: Many residents of Peterborough visited a clinic in the north end on Tuesday, March 11 for a chance to connect with a family doctor. I chatted with several individuals as they stood in line. Let’s dive into it!
Criticism over “victim blaming”: New safety campaign advises pedestrians against walking at night
Advocates argue that a recent pedestrian safety initiative in Peterborough focuses too much on how pedestrians behave instead of addressing driver actions and road design. (File photo by Will Pearson)
A newly launched pedestrian safety campaign by the city, county, police department, and Peterborough Public Health is facing backlash. One advocate described it as “victim blaming.”
Last Wednesday, these organizations released a joint statement featuring various safety tips for people walking on city streets and rural roads. Among these tips was one suggesting to avoid nighttime walks.
“If possible, avoid walking after dark, especially on rural roads as visibility is low, and drivers may not expect pedestrians. If walking is unavoidable, ensure you have sufficient lighting and reflective gear,” read part of the release.
Sue Sauve, who previously worked as the city’s transportation demand management planner stated that advising people against night walks is “ridiculous.” She noted that many people walk home from work during winter when it’s dark by 4:30 p. m.
Sauve expressed that the #walksafe campaign places excessive focus on pedestrian behavior rather than emphasizing driver responsibility and road design improvements needed for better safety.
The release includes nine recommendations aimed at pedestrians such as wearing reflective clothing and opting for routes with ample lighting and lower traffic volumes. On the other hand, there are just three suggestions for drivers meant to help prevent accidents involving pedestrians like adhering to speed limits and double-checking before turning.
“This campaign resembles outdated education methods from the 1950s which have repeatedly proven ineffective in reducing pedestrian injuries,” Sauve remarked.
What could enhance street safety? One proposal from Sauve includes installing advanced pedestrian signals that give walkers an earlier start when crossing intersections so they’re more visible to motorists. Adding curb extensions at intersections could also provide better protection when crossing streets she added.
“We want changes like those instead of this type of victim blaming education initiative,” she stated while calling on the city to develop an “evidence-based transportation safety plan” ensuring streets are safe for all users.
Pamela Fuselli, CEO of Parachute Canada-a charity focused on injury prevention-mentioned that educational campaigns like this one tend to be “one of the less effective” means of improving road safety.
“There are still pedestrians who are… doing everything right; they follow all road rules but still get hit,” she explained.
She emphasized that modifications to road designs are vital to managing vehicle speeds effectively while protecting walkers from harm.
“Shifting responsibility onto pedestrians isn’t appropriate,” she said while asserting that roads should allow pedestrians room to make mistakes without facing deadly consequences.
Recently, Peterborough implemented traffic calming strategies intended to reduce vehicle speeds across various residential areas; however, city council has resisted expanding these measures over the past two years. Instead they’ve instructed staff members to investigate lowering speed limits throughout the entire city down to 40 kilometers per hour.
A total of 44 incidents involving pedestrian collisions were recorded within areas monitored by Peterborough Police during 2024 according to their news release-39 resulted in injuries sustained by individuals involved.
A spokesperson representing Peterborough Police defended their #walksafe initiative through a statement issued collectively by all four involved organizations saying:
“Keeping pedestrians safe on the road is a responsibility shared among all road users,” Sandra Dueck wrote. “Accordingly, tips were provided for both pedestrians and motorists.”
Additionally she emphasized that ensuring pedestrian security “is best addressed through multiple interventions.”
Residents Line Up at Clinic Seeking Family Doctor
Koda Molders (left) signed up for a chance to get a family doctor at Northcrest Pharmacy and Medical Centre on Tuesday morning. (Photo: Brett Throop)
A large number of individuals rushed into a medical clinic located in northern Peterborough Tuesday morning seeking connections with family doctors.Koda Molders was among those eager individuals signing up as patients at Northcrest Pharmacy and Medical Centre situated along Marina Blvd.; having gone without a family doctor herself now nearing thirteen years. “I actually cried inside because I’ve waited so long,” Molders admitted after exiting. The clinic recently acquired Dr. Tifase-a new physician-according its website allowing residents opportunities between Tuesday through Friday this week registering hoping access care under his practice. Molders highlighted having dealt with mental health issues resulting disability claiming when unable securing suitable family physician few years back led her pursuing further education just gain healthcare services via academic institution. “I’ve spent eight years studying solely due because that’s my only route seeing any doctor,” she explained acknowledging significant debt accrued accessing essential medical assistance. “I believe government ought make efforts assist doctors relocating here,” expressed concern surrounding local healthcare situation. Rick Clapper aged sixty mentioned he hasn’t had regular physician since early twenties noting he feels it’s overdue considering age now sixty experienced some recent health challenges highlighting difficulty relying emergency departments or walk-in clinics whenever needing consultations.
Jean-Luc withheld last name noted most friends originating from peterborough still maintain their own physicians yet lost previous care provider associated Canadian Armed Forces upon leaving military service back year twenty seventeen.
Over two point five million Ontarians currently lack access primary healthcare providers; Ontario’s re-elected Ford government pledged invest one point eight billion dollars aim connect additional two million citizens publicly funded family practitioners or primary care teams next four years.
City Councillors Propose Reducing Use Of Social Media Platform X
Members City Council voted restrict usage social media platform X communications residents general committee Monday citing concerns regarding inadequate action combating hate speech misinformation prevalent site owned billionaire Elon Musk notable advisor U. S president Donald Trump.
Councillor Matt Crowley initiated motion emphasizing platform known previously Twitter has devolved into arena rampant falsehoods whilst ownership promotes values contradict democratic principles governance integrity citing move away x isn’t merely preference but critical matter ethical conduct.
Motion advocates discontinuation using x aside sending urgent information alerts via peterboro transit fire services additionally requesting staff explore alternative direct communication strategies engage citizens thereby eliminating reliance platform entirely awaiting ratification forthcoming meeting council session.
Local School Board Joins Legal Battle Against Social Media Giants
A coalition Ontario school boards states lawsuit filed Meta Snapchat Tik Tok can progress clearing legal challenge reported Canadian Press following series legal actions taken last year fourteen distinct boards individual institutions pursued litigation targeting aforementioned companies alleging addiction damaging students’ well-being Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board included group.
According reports Judge dismissed attempt social media corporations dismiss claims enabling case move forward toward resolution.
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Take care,
Brett Throop
Reporter
Peterborough Currents
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