« Let's be polite! Let's show courtesy! »

– Joe Latraverse
IN THE CAR
ON A BIKE
ON FOOT

About

In order to promote the safety of all road users within its territory, the Lac des Deux-Montagnes Police Board is conducting an awareness campaign aimed at motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to encourage courtesy and the proper sharing of roads.

This important awareness campaign is being carried out in collaboration with the cities of Deux-Montagnes and Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, as well as the municipalities of Saint-Joseph-du-Lac and Pointe-Calumet. It also benefits from financial support from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.

Through the friendly character of Joe Latraverse, the messages primarily aim to:

  • Raise motorists’ awareness of the obligation to yield to pedestrians at properly identified locations.

  • Encourage pedestrians to cross streets at intersections or designated pedestrian crossings.

  • Educate cyclists on the practices to adopt, both on the road and at pedestrian crossings.

  • Secure all pedestrian crossings within the territory.

  • Reduce the number of road accidents occurring at pedestrian crossings.

IN THE CAR, JOE IS COURTEOUS!

  • At an intersection, Joe:
  • yields to pedestrians, as they have the right of way;
  • stops his vehicle before the stop line.
  • If the signage allows it, Joe makes a right turn at a red light safely and correctly, that is, after stopping his car and yielding to pedestrians who are crossing.
  • If the signage allows it, Joe makes a right turn at a red light safely and correctly, that is, after stopping his car and yielding to pedestrians who are crossing.
  • Joe knows that cyclists do not have the right of way at intersections, but he remains courteous for the safety of everyone.
  • When he approaches a pedestrian crossing, Joe stops as soon as a pedestrian indicates they want to cross, that is when they:
  • waits on the sidewalk next to the pedestrian crossing;
  • signals with a hand gesture;
  • makes eye contact with Joe.
  • Joe ensures to maintain the required distance of
  • 1 meter in a 50 km/h zone or lower
  • 1.5 meters in a zone over 50 km/h
  • stops his vehicle before the stop line.
  • between his vehicle and the pedestrians or cyclists he encounters on the road, ensuring to slow down for everyone's safety.
  • Joe takes the time to:
  • make a hand gesture to signal to pedestrians and cyclists that they have been seen;
  • respect the right of way for pedestrians at intersections;
  • exercise extra caution before making a right turn at a red light;
  • keep his headlights on, especially in difficult weather conditions, to see clearly and be seen.

ON A BIKE, JOE IS COURTEOUS!

  • Joe makes himself visible! He signals his intentions continuously and from a sufficient distance.
  • Joe rides in the direction of traffic, unless indicated otherwise by signage.
  • At all times, Joe respects the signage and traffic lights… even when the lane is clear for a right turn at a red light.
  • Joe stops his bike at a red light and at stop signs!
  • At pedestrian lights, Joe stops and yields the right of way to the pedestrians he encounters. He then proceeds into the intersection with caution.
  • At an intersection, Joe on a bike yields the right of way to pedestrians who have priority. He makes eye contact with them, and if they indicate an intention to cross, Joe on his bike signals them with a hand gesture to proceed.
  • For his safety and the safety of others, Joe rides as close as possible to the right side of the roadway. Joe can move from this position if necessary or to make a left turn!
  • waits on the sidewalk next to the pedestrian crossing;
  • signals with a hand gesture;
  • makes eye contact with Joe.
  • Joe ensures to maintain the required distance of
  • Joe makes sure not to wear any headphones or handle any electronic devices while riding!
  • Joe has a fixed mount to install an electronic device if needed and uses it only to consult information useful for riding or related to the operation of his bike’s regular equipment.
  • In a group, Joe ensures that his cycling friends ride, like him, in a single file:
  • If the group consists of more than 15 people, Joe makes sure to form two separate pelotons.
  • Joe waits until he has finished his ride before consuming alcoholic beverages.
  • I always wear the right gear!

Since the spring of 2018, a bike must be equipped with at least 6 reflectors. Additionally, the use of a white front light and a red rear light during rides in the dark is now mandatory. For more information, click here.

ON FOOT, JOE IS COURTEOUS!

  • Joe walks on the sidewalk! If there isn't one available, Joe walks at the edge of the road or on the shoulder.
  • Joe crosses at intersections and pedestrian crossings.
  • Joe checks the traffic before crossing. He looks to the left, to the right, back to the left, and behind him.
  • Joe makes sure to establish eye contact with drivers and cyclists!
  • Joe never crosses diagonally, unless a peace officer, a school crossing guard, or signage allows him to do so.
  • At traffic lights, when there are no pedestrian lights, Joe has the right of way only at the green light.
  • At a stop sign, Joe has the right of way over drivers and cyclists!
  • They must stop to yield the right of way to him.
  • At a pedestrian crossing that is not located at an intersection, Joe:
  • maintains the right of way over motorists and cyclists, who must yield to him;
  • must ensure that he can proceed safely and be certain that he has been seen and that the right of way is given to him.

About the Lac des Deux-Montagnes Police Board

The Lac des Deux-Montagnes Police Board serves a population of nearly 50,000 residents, spread across the cities of Deux-Montagnes and Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, as well as the municipalities of Saint-Joseph-du-Lac and Pointe-Calumet. This area, bordered by Lake of Two Mountains to the south, features many bike paths, parks, marinas, and boat launches. Two commuter train stations on the Deux-Montagnes line lead to downtown Montreal. The police patrol a primarily residential area that includes 12 elementary schools, 3 high schools, 2 adult education centers, and 1 specialized school.

Contact Us

For any information related to the awareness campaign JE SUIS COURTOIS, please contact:

THE LAC DES DEUX-MONTAGNES POLICE BOARD

615, 20th Avenue
Deux-Montagnes (Quebec) J7R 6B2
Phone: 450 473-4686

Fax: 450 473-3189

HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Régie de Police du Lac des Deux-Montagnes

The Board has made it a priority to provide the community with honest and transparent proximity services attuned to its needs. Respect for the individual and property underlie every intervention with citizens.

Address

615, 20ème avenue
Deux-Montagnes (Québec) J7R 6B2

Phone : 450 473-4686

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