Vancouver police launch Project Vigilance road safety campaign for winter season
The VPD is stepping up patrols at high-risk intersections and school zones to address speeding, distracted driving and missing helmets as daylight hours shorten.
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The Vancouver Police Department launched Project Vigilance on November 9, 2026, a road safety campaign that will increase patrols at high-risk intersections, corridors and school zones during darker winter months.
The campaign follows three recent serious incidents, according to VPD Sergeant Adam Donaldson: a woman killed when an e-scooter she was riding collided with a transit bus on November 7 at Seymour Street and West Pender, a 45-year-old pedestrian who was killed, and a seven-year-old child struck by a vehicle who survived with minor injuries.
"We're seeing serious incidents on the roads," Sgt. Donaldson said in the VPD's press release. "The clocks aren't turning back, so we need to be a little more aware of the darkness and our surroundings this season."
What officers will enforce
Officers will target speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, jaywalking and missing helmets. The VPD said the enforcement may involve fewer warnings than a previous campaign: a September 2026 e-scooter campaign issued over 1,275 warnings and citations, with most issued as warnings. Project Vigilance may see more tickets issued for the same violations.
The campaign runs until at least the winter solstice on December 21, the point of shortest daylight in Vancouver.
Rules for e-scooters and cyclists
The VPD used the campaign launch to remind residents of road rules that apply year-round. E-scooters must travel at no more than 25 km/h. Riders must wear a helmet and may not carry a second person. E-scooters must have front and rear lights when ridden between sunset and sunrise, and may not use sidewalks unless a sign permits it.
Cyclists of all ages must wear a helmet. Bikes must have a white front light and a red rear light between sunset and sunrise.
Pedestrians can improve their visibility by clipping a reflector to a bag or dark clothing, Sgt. Donaldson said: "In Vancouver, we love to wear black and carry black umbrellas. If you can clip a reflector to a bag or your clothing, it'll help drivers see you."
What residents can do
Road users who want to avoid enforcement under Project Vigilance should check that their lights are working before riding after dark, wear a helmet, and stay within the 25 km/h e-scooter limit. Drivers should slow down at intersections and school zones and keep phones off the wheel. The VPD press release and full rule summary are on vpd.ca.
Questions this story answers
What is Project Vigilance?
Project Vigilance is a traffic safety campaign the Vancouver Police Department launched on November 9, 2026. Officers will increase patrols at high-risk intersections, main road corridors and school zones during darker daylight hours. The campaign focuses on speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, jaywalking and missing helmets. VPD Sergeant Adam Donaldson said the campaign responds to serious incidents on the roads as the city heads toward the winter solstice on December 21.
What incidents prompted the campaign?
The VPD cited three recent incidents as motivation: a woman who died after an e-scooter collided with a transit bus on November 7 on Seymour Street at West Pender, a 45-year-old pedestrian who was killed, and a seven-year-old child struck by a vehicle who survived with minor injuries. Sgt. Donaldson noted that darker conditions following the recent time zone change are a factor in road safety.
How many warnings were issued in the September e-scooter campaign?
The VPD issued over 1,275 warnings and citations during a September 2026 e-scooter safety campaign in Vancouver. The majority were issued as warnings rather than tickets. The VPD said the new Project Vigilance campaign may involve fewer warnings and more tickets for road rule violations.
What are the rules for e-scooters in Vancouver?
In Vancouver, e-scooters must travel at no more than 25 km/h. Riders must wear helmets. E-scooters must have front and rear lights when ridden between sunset and sunrise. Riders may not carry a second person. Riding on sidewalks is not permitted unless a sign allows it. VPD officers will be watching for violations of all of these rules during the Project Vigilance campaign.
What are the rules for cyclists during Project Vigilance?
Cyclists of all ages must wear a helmet in Vancouver. Bikes must have a white light at the front and a red light at the rear when ridden between sunset and sunrise. The VPD will be enforcing these rules at high-risk intersections and school zones during the Project Vigilance campaign.
What can residents do to stay safe during this campaign?
The VPD advises all road users to increase their visibility during darker months. Sgt. Donaldson suggested clipping a reflector to a bag or clothing so drivers can see pedestrians and cyclists more easily. E-scooter and bike riders should check that their lights are working before riding. Drivers should slow down at intersections and school zones and avoid distracted or impaired driving.
Where will VPD officers be focusing enforcement?
Officers will focus on high-risk intersections, main road corridors and school zones across Vancouver. The VPD has not named specific streets. The campaign runs during the period of increasing darkness between November 9 and the winter solstice on December 21, 2026.
Where can I find the VPD press release on Project Vigilance?
The VPD published its Project Vigilance announcement on November 9, 2026, at vpd.ca/news. The release was written by Sgt. Adam Donaldson and outlines the enforcement priorities and road safety rules for the winter season. Vancouver residents can read the full release on the VPD website.
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