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.
Upcoming events
October, 2024
Adapting our behaviour on our roads and pathways is just another part of changing seasons. To promote safe travels as the days get shorter, the annual Be Safe Be Seen campaign is back this October.
Whether walking or rolling, wear lights or reflectors to make sure you are seen at night. Without reflective gear you may be practically invisible to other road users.
Throughout October, Ottawa Fire Services will be distributing reflective bands and flashing lights at select fire stations.
- What: Be safe, be seen
- Where: Various (see below)
- When: Various (see below)
Please note that even within times listed below, should all station personnel be responding to an emergency call, items will be unavailable. Thank you for your understanding.
On October 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 31 from 4 to 6 pm, the following urban area stations will be open to pick-up the safety items:
- Station 11(link is external) – 135 Preston St
- Station 13(link is external) – 530 King Edward Ave
- Station 22(link is external) – 1397 Richmond Rd
- Station 23(link is external) – 1445 Carling Ave
- Station 33(link is external) – 3336 McCarthy Rd
- Station 37(link is external) – 910 Earl Armstrong Rd
- Station 42(link is external) – 1021 Teron Rd
- Station 47(link is external) – 3559 Greenbank Rd
- Station 52(link is external) – 6213 Jeanne D’Arc Blvd N
- Station 57(link is external) – 220 Beechwood Ave
On October 2, 7, 16, 21, 28 from 6 to 7 pm, the following rural area stations will be open to pick-up these safety items:
- Station 73(link is external) – 6090 Rockdale Rd (Vars)
- Station 81(link is external) – 1643 Stittsville Main St
On October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 6 to 7 pm, the following rural area stations will be open to pick-up these safety items:
- Station 64(link is external) – 475 Donald B. Munro Dr (Carp)
- Station 94(link is external) – 5669 Manotick Main St
Check back or follow us on social media for 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, we participate in the Public Works Big Wheels Expo, which showcases Public Works’ operations and entertains children of all ages; the vehicles on display include a garbage truck, a 25-ton rock truck, a road painting truck, a traffic signal display, a sidewalk sweeper and a hydraulic crane truck
- 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(link opens email application).
Past events
Sunday June 2, 2024
The City’s public works vehicles are a common sight on city streets. Together, these machines help us protect the City’s infrastructure assets as well as our precious green spaces. Come down to the Ottawa Stadium to enjoy this free event. Some of the vehicles that will be on site include a garbage truck, rock truck, road painting truck, traffic signal display, sidewalk sweeper, snow plow, log truck, and much more.
Safer Roads Ottawa will offer road safety tips and accessories such as reflective straps and bike lights.
- What: Public Works Big Wheels Expo
- Where: Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road
- When: 9:30 am to 2 pm
Sunday May 5, 2024
As a cyclist or pedestrian, do you know where a large vehicle’s blind spots are? Or how to safely navigate an intersection or roundabout? We can demonstrate that and share other safety tips and trinkets.
- What: CN Cycle for CHEO
- Where: Safer Roads Ottawa (SRO) booth, Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place
- When: 8 am to 1 pm