Road Safety
We all play a role in keeping our community safe. Especially as kids head back to school in the fall, we ask drivers to drive carefully and use extreme caution during peak student travel times.
Tips for Drivers
Drivers should remember the acronym G.U.A.R.D.
- Guards: Watch for and obey crossing guards. Cyclists and drivers must stop when a guard signals them to do so.
- Understand and follow the posted speed limits, especially in school zones.
- Always check before turning at intersections. Make eye contact with pedestrians so they know you see them.
- Remain stopped until all pedestrians and guards have cleared the crossing.
- Do not drop children off in NO stopping or NO parking zones.
Tips for Pedestrians
- Use your eyes and ears! Remember to stop, look and listen for cars before crossing the street – even when there is a crossing guard or traffic signal.
- Check that cars in each lane have stopped. Make eye contact with drivers so you know they see you.
- Look left, right and left again to make sure the road is clear.
- Don’t cross the road between parked cars or mid-block.
- Using headphones or cellphones when walking can be distracting and make it hard to hear vehicles.
- Walk, don’t run, while crossing the street.
Video Guides
We've prepared the following videos to help pedestrians cross safely at pedestrian crossovers and traffic lights.
Video 1 – Pedestrian Crossing Tutorial
Video 2 – Traffic Light Crossing Tutorial
Tips for Cyclists
Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO) offers the following cycling safety tips:
- Always wear a helmet – it is the law for anyone under the age of 18.
- Children under 10 are allowed to ride on the sidewalk – but watch for pedestrians.
- Wear bright clothes so drivers can see you better.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping to let drivers know what you are going to do next.
- Always stop at stop signs and red lights.
- Stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing.
- Look in all directions before entering a road to make sure the road is clear.
By using caution and following these tips, together we can help keep our community safe.
Traffic Calming
Traffic calming is designed to encourage safe, responsible driving, improve the quality of life of residents and non-motorized street users, and reduce the overall motor vehicle volumes. It uses a variety of physical measures and street design to:
- alter driver behaviours
- reduce speed
- improve neighbourhood safety
Traffic Calming Policy - This policy outlines prerequisites, process and criteria for installing traffic calming measures. This policy only applies to roads owned by the City. Roads under the County's jurisdiction are not covered under this policy.
If you have concerns about traffic safety in your neighbourhood, you can complete the traffic calming request form below:
All-Way Stop Signs
Like all regulatory signage, the use of all-way stops is governed by the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) - Book 5. All-way stops are not to be used to control speeding, however they are installed where they meet a set of criteria including collision history, traffic volumes and visibility considerations.
New All-Way Stops - Fall 2025
All way stops have been installed at the following intersections:
- Hunter and Graham Streets
- Cree Avenue and Springbank Avenue North
- Knightsbridge Road and Sloane Street
- Anderson and Canrobert Streets (coming in October)
All-Way Stop Control Policy - This policy ensures fair access to the right-of-way for similar volumes of traffic travelling in opposing directions.
Complete the following form below to request a review for an intersection in Woodstock:
Pedestrian Cross-Overs
Pedestrian Cross-Overs help ensure pedestrian safety by providing designated crosswalks in areas where there are no traffic signals. These crossings include features such as overhead yellow lights that serve as warnings for drivers and cyclists, activating when pedestrians intend to cross via push-button mechanisms.
Pedestrian Cross-Over Policy - This policy recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety of its pedestrians.
Crossing Guards Needed
We are currently experiencing a shortage of crossing guards. If you have daytime availability and are interested, please apply to become a crossing-guard so that we can continue to offer this important service to the community.
Contact Us
City of Woodstock
P.O. Box 1539, 500 Dundas Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 0A7
Phone: 519-539-1291
Subscribe for news and updates
Stay up to date with the City of Woodstock by subscribing to our media releases, public notices and alerts.