Pedestrians and cyclists - how to avoid blind spots and be seen in low light

Come and experience firsthand the dangers of a large vehicle’s blind spots and learn how to make sure you can be seen. The City of Ottawa is holding an interactive demonstration to help pedestrians and cyclists learn how to stay safe.

City staff will have a large vehicle parked on Marion Dewar Plaza and life-sized pedestrian cut-outs showing the safe areas visible to the driver, and dangerous blind spots that are harder to see. You will be able to climb into the driver’s seat to understand the driver’s perspective and why it’s important to stay out in front or well behind large vehicles.

Following the blind spot activity, City staff with Safer Roads Ottawa and the Ottawa Fire Service will have a fire truck on hand and will launch the Be Safe Be Seen awareness campaign. This campaign runs throughout the month of October and emphasizes the importance of being visible at dawn, dusk or during low-light condition. Staff will hand out free safety gear, including reflective bands and lights.

Date: October 2, 2025

Time:   4 to 5 pm (blind spot interactive event)

            5 to 6 pm (Be Safe Be Seen event)

Location: City Hall (110 Laurier Ave. W.), Marion Dewar Plaza

This event is part of the City of Ottawa's Road Safety Action Plan. The City continues to make improvements to the safety of our roads and pathways with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. The City’s Road Safety Action Plan guides these engineering, education and enforcement initiatives. But even the safest transportation network requires that everyone follows the rules of the road for their mode of transportation.

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