A 49-year-old Vancouver man is lucky to be alive after being struck by a bus in nearby Burnaby Monday night, while jaywalking and talking on his cellphone.

RCMP Cpl. Jane Baptista said the man was lucky to have suffered just minor injuries.

He was talking on his cellphone, and, after noticing a turning bus, decided to keep on walking, jaywalking, and putting the bus driver in an impossible situation, Baptista said.

It's a familiar story for patrol officers, she said.

"They wear dark clothing, [they are] on their cellphones, [or have] iPods in their ears, and it's completely dangerous for everyone involved."

Baptista said police will be refocusing on Burnaby jaywalkers soon, and anyone caught can expect a fine.

Some pedestrians who are hit by vehicles will be charged for creating the situation that allowed it to happen, she said.