Prevention

The key to reducing the risk of becoming a victim of crime is prevention. Crimes can be avoided by following the guidelines:

Pedestrian Safety

When it comes to road safety – whether you’re driving, cycling or simply walking – being aware of your surroundings is key.

The reality is that pedestrians today are distracted by electronic devices, and often they aren’t paying attention long enough to make sure they’re not walking into traffic.

With both the Loyola and Sir George Williams campuses situated along busy streets, the safety of pedestrians and cyclists as they negotiate these roadways is an important priority for Concordia’s Security Department.

That’s why the Security Department focuses on prevention through education and offers these helpful tips below.

Pedestrian Safety

Make yourself visible to drivers and cyclists: wear reflective or light clothing at night, stay in well-lit areas, and make eye contact with drivers or cyclists prior to crossing their path.
Do not text or talk when walking, wear headphones, or partake in other sources of distraction. You need your senses about you to avoid accidents.
Follow the rules and yield to traffic with right of way. Do not assume traffic will stop for you, always assess your own safety before proceeding.
Stay on the sidewalk whenever possible.
Consider other modes of transport, like calling a taxi or having a designated driver, if you are going to be drinking. Alcohol consumption impairs your reflexes and decision making abilities while walking, too.
Do not walk in vehicles blind spots.
Do not cross an intersection diagonally unless signs or peace officers indicate otherwise.

Remember where you have right of way:

Pedestrian lights: Right of way during walk (white silhouette) or flashing hand signal
Traffic lights: Right of way on the green light only
Stop signs at intersections: Right of way at all times

Bike Safety

Wear a helmet and ensure it is adjusted properly (Insert helmet adjustment graphic).
Ride in a straight line.
If there is more than one lane, ride in the far right lane.
Signal turns and lane changes and check to ensure your path is clear (Insert image of bike signals).
Watch for vehicle taillights to signal turns or stops.
Watch vehicle occupants to avoid being hit by an opening car door.
Make eye contact with drivers before proceeding into an intersection to ensure they will yield right of way.
Use bike lanes where possible.
Cyclists must yield to pedestrians at intersections.
Ride single file if with other cyclists.

Under the Highway Safety Code, cyclists are prohibited from:

Cycling on highways, on-ramps, and exit ramps.
cycling against the flow of traffic (unless signage dictates otherwise)
cycling on sidewalks
using earphones while cycling
cycling between multiple lanes of moving vehicles
cycling without or with faulty brake systems
carrying a passenger without appropriate seating
drinking while cycling

Did you know it is mandatory to have the following accessories while cycling?

Rear red reflector
Front white reflector
Reflectors on spokes of both wheels, visible from either side
Amber reflectors on both pedals

Concordia’s Security Department provides cyclists with a free flashing bike light and reflective strap. Just visit Security Desk on the Sir George Williams Campus (Henry F. Hall Building, Room H-118 or on the Loyola Campus in Room SP-144 in the Richard J. Renaud Science Complex) to get

Driver Safety

You can do your part to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe by following these guidelines:
Do not text or talk while driving.
Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Obey all road signs and traffic lights.
Yield to pedestrians.
Yield to cyclists with right of way.
Use your lights and signal properly.
Take extra care during severe weather and/or when visibility is limited.
Before you open your car doors, check for cyclists and/or pedestrians. You can be subject to a fine (between $200-$300) for opening a door without shoulder checking and hitting a cyclist.

How to pass cyclists:

Speed limit greater than 50km/h:

Reduce the speed of your vehicle
Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (≤50km/h) 1.5 meters (>50km/h) when passing a cyclist
Do not pass in the same lane
Do not cross a solid line to overtake a cyclist
Violating these measures as part of the Highway Safety Code may result in a steep fine and 2 demerit points.

Learn more:

- SPVM Pedestrian Safety

- Société de l'assurance automobile Québec Road Safety

Travel Safety

Theft

Tips to prevent thefts in Concordia residences

Have your Concordia ID card with you at all times.
Do not let visitors or strangers into the residences.
Should you notice someone or something suspicious, immediately inform Security at 514-848-3717.
Lock your doors before leaving the premises.
Avoid posting a message on your door informing people you are away.
If you intend to be away for an extended period of time, inform the Residence Director of your absence and expected date of return.
Never leave the access doors to the residences open.Tips to prevent thefts at the office

Tips to prevent thefts at the office

Lock your doors, filing cabinets and drawers while away from your office.
Have a password on your computer to protect your information.
Never leave valuables in plain sight.
If there are strangers in your area who do not seem to have a purpose for being on campus, you can contact Security 514-848-3717 or ext. 3717 from a university phone.
Always have your keys and your access cards in your possession. If you lose them, inform your department or Security immediately.
Engrave your electronic equipment.

Tips to prevent thefts in public spaces

Be aware of your surroundings. If you notice any suspicious behavior, inform Security immediately by calling 514-848-3717, or ext. 3717 from a university phone.
Do not leave your laptop, bags, or other personal belongings unattended.
Be sure to remove any peripherals (for example, USB memory keys, hard drives, CDs, DVDs) from your computer.
Do not rely on others to watch over your personal possessions.
Remember: You are the only person responsible for the protection of your personal property.

Bike Theft Prevention

Did you know approximately 2000 bikes are reported stolen in Montreal annually?
Follow these guidelines to prevent becoming a victim of bicycle theft:
Register your bike: You can register your bike online, with the Tandem organization, or at your local SPVM station.
Lock your bike to one of the designated bike stands on campus (Link to bicycle parking page – under campus maps)
Use a reliable lock, take any easily removable pieces with you.
Choose different locations to lock your bike, rather than the same place every day.
Document your bicycle information, such as year, model, colour, number of speeds, serial number, etc.
Sign up for Project Numéro with the SPVM to have your bike engraved and registered.
Have your bike engraved at Concordia (offered in conjunction with SPVM) during the month of September.

Report a theft or loss on campus

Call Security at 514- 848-3717 or ext. 3717 from any university phone.

Report a theft or loss of a Concordia-owned computing device

Complete and submit the Lost Computer Device Form. You can access the form in MyConcordia portal under IT Incident Reports, Report Lost/Stolen Device.

For more information: