Barrie police have kicked off Project LIMA, a new traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists in high-risk areas across the city. The program comes in response to recent incidents and the added challenges of winter driving, such as slick roads and limited visibility at intersections.
The initiative combines targeted Highway Traffic Act enforcement with public education, focusing on areas identified through collision data and traffic patterns. Police said the goal is to address concerns around driving behaviour, visibility, and overall safety at busy intersections.
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Enforcement and education efforts will be concentrated across the city, including several focused safety zones such as the Bayfield Street corridor, the downtown core around Dunlop Street, and the Yonge Street and Big Bay Point area. Front-line officers, along with the Traffic Unit, will work together to keep roads safer while still addressing citywide traffic concerns.
"By combining enforcement with education, we're working to improve safety for everyone who uses our roads, particularly pedestrians and cyclists," said Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston.
Police urge everyone to do their part, and they encourage drivers to clear snow and ice from vehicles, check headlights, adjust speeds for the weather, and avoid distractions like cell phones - even while stopped at intersections. Cyclists are reminded to use lights and reflective gear, according to a police media release, and follow traffic laws, while pedestrians should stay visible and use designated crossings.
