Our Rural Community

Our Rural Community

Sharing the Road in our Rural Area

Be Aware of Our Migrant Workers

Our community is home to many migrant workers who support our agricultural economy. They often use bicycles as their mode of transportation. Please be aware that they are sharing the road with us.

Watch for Slow Moving Farm Equipment
 
Both bicyclists and motorists must recognize slow moving vehicles on the road. They come in a large variety of shapes and sizes. A good road safety rule is to look for an orange triangle emblem on the back of any vehicle you don't recognize. Use caution when you see the triangle, which indicates a slow moving vehicle.
 
Know that most farm equipment travels under 40 km per hour. To avoid collision, slow your bicycle or vehicle as soon as you see farm equipment on the road. Be prepared to stop at all times. 
 
Be Aware of Farm Equipment Turning

Farm equipment doesn't always have brake lights or turn signals and has many blind spots. Give farm equipment operators plenty of space to stop, slow down and/or turn so that you and the farmer get to your destinations safely.

Be aware that farmers with long or broad equipment must sometimes swing wide (like a transport truck) to make left turns. If a tractor swings to the right, don't attempt to pass. It may still be turning left.

Remember the farmer has an important job. He/She is not there to inconvenience you. The farmer may be unable to pull off the road due to equipment weight or road shoulder issues. Wait for a safe opportunity to pass.

Use Caution When Approaching Horses and Riders on our Roads

As you travel our roads, you may encounter horses and riders. Even the best trained horse can be frightened by a speeding vehicle and loud noises. Please use good judgment when you share the road with the horses.

For the safety of the horse and rider it is important to remember a few easy rules of the road:

  • Obey the speed limit or less when you pass horses on the trails adjacent to the road.
  • Do not honk your horn, rev your engine or make excess noise with your vehicle.
  • Do not yell at the rider or throw anything out the window of your vehicle.
  • Stop for horses crossing the road.

Be Aware of Pedestrians

Our roads are frequently used by runners and walkers.  Often it is the rural roads where we find pedestrians using the roads, as there are no sidewalks.  To ensure the safety of both pedestrians and motorists, here are a few guidelines:  

As a pedestrian:

  • Make sure drivers see you before you cross.
  • Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop.
  • Watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering and leaving driveways.
  • Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, when walking in dusk or darkness.

As a motorist:

  • Be patient, especially with older pedestrians who need more time to cross the road.
  • Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning.
  • Remember, stay alert and slow down on when you see a pedestrian sharing the road with you.
Information developed in part by:
 
  • HKPR. All rights reserved by the Haliburton Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. Permission is granted to reproduce this product for educational and non-commercial purposes. No part of this information may be reproduced for any other purpose without the prior written permission of the HDKP District Health Unit
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  • www.ehow.com 
 

 

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