Walk your Wheels: New videos remind everyone to keep sidewalks safe

Kawartha Lakes – A new campaign is rolling out in Kawartha Lakes to keep sidewalks safe and welcoming for everyone. The Walk your Wheels public awareness campaign reminds residents to walk their bikes, scooters and skateboards when using sidewalks. As one of the videos states, “Sidewalks are for strolling. Roads are for rolling.”

Four short videos will be shared on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube starting this week. The videos show different situations where walking your wheels makes sidewalks safer for pedestrians, including seniors, children, and people with mobility devices. If you do need to ride your bike, there’s a short video about how to do so safely while staying off the sidewalks, and riding on the road.

“People of all ages and abilities walk on our sidewalks. It’s what they’re for,” said Councillor Tracy Richardson, who had to dodge a scooter speeding along a downtown sidewalk. “These videos are a reminder to walk your wheels, and keep sidewalks safe for everyone.”

The campaign was inspired by concerns from local residents about fast-moving bikes, scooters and skateboards on downtown sidewalks. The Safe Sidewalk Campaign is the result of a deputation from Glenda Morris, a Kawartha Lakes citizen, in 2024. Councillor Richardson submitted a resolution to create the Walk your Wheels campaign.

“I have had many close calls, and a friend has had a nasty spill,” said Glenda Morris. “As an able walker now, I want to walk safely a few years from now, when I might not be so able. I fear for people I see who are less able and not necessarily agile enough to respond quickly to approaching cyclists.”

The videos feature local actors Peter Anderson, Glenda Morris and Councillor Tracy Richardson, who volunteered their time to help spread the message in a fun and engaging way. Their performances help show how small actions, like walking your wheels, can make a big difference.

“Be kind,” says Peter Anderson. Whether you’re out walking, or riding through a downtown area, keep the safety of pedestrians and other people in mind, as well as your own.

Watch and share the videos on social media (and give us a follow while you’re there!). Together, let’s ‘Walk our Wheels’ and help keep our sidewalks safe.

Instagram: @CityofKawarthaLakes
Facebook: City of Kawartha Lakes
YouTube: @CityofKawarthaLakes

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