Safer Roads Ottawa Program

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The Safer Roads Ottawa Program is a leading community partnership between Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health and the Public Works Department committed to preventing or eliminating road deaths and serious injuries for all people in the City of Ottawa, through culture change, community engagement, and development of a sustainable safe transportation environment. 

Also participating in the Safer Roads Ottawa Program are the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Department of National Defence’s Military Police  to improve road safety for all residents of the national capital region.

Upcoming events

Safer Roads Ottawa hosts or supports several community events throughout the year, to educate the public about road safety. These events are supported by various partners and community organizations. Events will be listed here when dates and locations are confirmed.

Check back or follow us on social media for specific event dates and locations.

Some of the events Safer Roads Ottawa participates in include:

  • In the spring, we support Toe Tag, an event that simulates a serious car collision caused by impaired driving; the event is held at local high schools with a presentation to students after the simulation
  • In June 2023, we participated in the first Public Works Big Wheels Expo, which showcased Public Works’ operations and entertained children of all ages; the vehicles on display included a garbage truck, a 25-ton rock truck, a road painting truck, a traffic signal display, a sidewalk sweeper and a hydraulic crane truck; details of a 2024 event to come
  • In October, we partner with Ottawa Fire Services, to host the month-long Be Safe, Be Seen campaign to raise awareness about the importance of motorists watching out for other road users and of cyclists and pedestrians staying visible; we hand out free safety gear, such as reflective bands and bike lights
  • In November, we host Lights on Bikes to educate cyclists and pedestrians about improving their visibility at night; we hand out free reflective bands and bike lights

Questions? Contact SRO@ottawa.ca.

Volunteer with Pathway Patrol

History

Ottawa’s pathways have amazing scenery to discover and are a great way to get in and around our city. Since 1997, the Pathway Patrol program has been around to help make Ottawa pathways safer for all users. Safer Roads Ottawa is looking for volunteers who love our city and want to become ambassadors of our pathways by joining the growing Pathway Patrol team. Whether you walk, run, roll, or cycle, we would love to have you involved.

Pathway Patrol volunteers

Become a volunteer Pathway Patroller and have a chance to discover our nation’s capital by interacting with visitors and residents on City of Ottawa and National Capital Commission pathways.

Do you enjoy:

  • Meeting new people who love being active outdoors as much as you do?
  • Working as part of a team and learning new skills?
  • Exploring new parts of this great city?
  • Interacting with residents to help improve their experience of using the pathways (i.e., providing helpful tips, directions, first aid and basic bicycle repairs)?
  • Being a positive role model for pathway etiquette and cycling safety?

If you answered YES, then consider becoming part of our team!

Patroller requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • 18+ years of age
  • Complete Level 3 Police Record Check
  • Complete Pathway Patrol training session
  • Emergency First Aid with CPR C & AED Certification
  • Cyclists and in-line skaters must wear a helmet while on patrol
  • Wear the Pathway Patrol jersey while on patrol
  • Able to commit to a minimum of four hours of patrolling per month
  • Patrols must be with a minimum of two people

First Aid and CPR training

All Pathway Patrol volunteers must hold a valid Emergency First Aid with CPR C & AED Certification. If you are not first aid certified, group sessions will be provided at start of each season; volunteer and get free training!

Sign-up for Pathway Patrol today

For more information, email us at pathwaypatrol@ottawa.ca or call 613-580-9735

Online application

Community Tool Kit

Want to increase road safety in your community?

To achieve our goal of zero fatalities and injuries on Ottawa’s streets we need your support. Invite Safer Roads Ottawa to your next community association or gathering. From discussing traffic calming measures, increased enforcement or organizing a bike rodeo Safer Roads Ottawa can offer your community a variety of tools to make you neighbourhood safer.

The following videos are examples of community initiatives Safer Roads Ottawa have been a part of:

Alta Vista Ward Safe Streets video
Bay Ward Slowdown Campaign (video)
Distracted Driving Video from Drop It and Drive
Toe Tag 

For more information please contact SRO@ottawa.ca