Last month a 24-year-old woman was riding her bicycle westbound on Bloor Street W. near Avenue Road at about 8:40 a.m. She was in a bike lane when she merged into the vehicle lane before she was struck by a dump truck. She was pronounced dead at the scene, becoming the fifth cyclist to be killed in Toronto this year.
Toronto Councillor Dianne Saxe told the media the bike lane was blocked by a large construction bin and called the death a “terrible, completely avoidable tragedy.”
“We don’t have nearly enough enforcement of the countless, reckless, selfish people who use the bike lanes for their vehicles and other things for their convenience and pay no attention to the people whose lives they put at risk,” Saxe told CBC News.
Toronto Police say the bin will be part of its investigation.
“While it is not clear what the investigation will find, the city is reminding residents and businesses of the importance of keeping bike lanes clear of any obstacles in order to help ensure the safety of all road users,” the City of Toronto added in a statement. It also announced it would be raising the fine for parking a prohibited vehicle on a bicycle path from $60 to $200.
The City has stated it is working to improve safety for all road users under its Vision Zero Plan and plans to make “travel by bike safer and more inviting” by building bikeways such as physically separated cycle tracks, bike lanes, neighbourhood routes and paved multi-use trails through its Cycling Network Plan.
But adding more bike lanes will not necessarily protect cyclists, says Jeffrey A. Preszler, of Preszler Injury Lawyers.
“In recent years there has been an increase in cyclist fatalities and, sadly, this year is no exception,” he says. “We constantly witness drivers frustrated with our heavily congested streets and that can manifest itself in aggressive driving and excessive speeding, which increases the potential for deadly cycling accidents.”
Preszler says these accidents leave riders with physical and emotional trauma. “Survivors face numerous challenges and lifestyle adjustments,” he says. “In many cases, their injuries leave them unable to work.”
The recent fatality is a tragic reminder that there is still much to do to prevent cycling accidents, Preszler says.
“According to the Canadian Automobile Association, more people are using bicycles as their main source of transportation,” he says. “And every year, an average of 74 Canadians die in cycling collisions and 73 per cent of those accidents involve a collision with an automobile.” Preszler says bike lanes are important additions to Toronto’s infrastructure but cyclists should be aware of the hidden dangers that can result in devastating consequences.
Toronto has several designated cycling routes, according to Cycle Toronto. Perhaps the most common are designated bicycle lanes that are typically marked by painted lines on the road. These are for the exclusive use of cyclists and other road users may not lawfully drive, stand, stop or park them, according to the City of Toronto.
However, it is not uncommon to see cars parked in these lanes. Or in the case of the recent fatality, large objects such as construction equipment or disposal bins occupying the lanes. There are off-street, multi-use trails. As the name implies, these trails can be used by just about anyone except motorists, including cyclists and hikers. Even without the presence of automobiles, it is important for a cyclist to remain vigilant to such hazards as distracted pedestrians or off-leash dogs.
Some neighbourhoods have contra-flow bike lanes, which are similar to painted bike lanes. These lanes are marked by a solid yellow line and run in the opposite direction of car traffic. However, even in the quiet residential streets where these lanes are used, there is still the danger of being struck by a distracted driver.
Protected bike lanes are considered to be the safest since they are physically separated from vehicle traffic. These lanes can have flexi-posts, curbs or low concrete walls to protect cyclists. Still, despite being physically separated a cyclist will invariably encounter vehicles at intersections. In some cases, it may even be possible for cars to illegally park in these lanes, forcing the rider into traffic.
Some protected lanes are also designed to allow adjacent vehicle parking. That means cyclists must be alert for opening car doors.
Preszler also advises cyclists to keep road conditions in mind.
“Since bike lanes are typically at the side of the road it is important to watch for unexpected hazards such as potholes, sewer grates and debris,” he says. “The road can change significantly with each mile and motorists are not the only potential danger a cyclist can face. Cycling is a great way to get around but riders must always remember how important it is to remain alert.”
If you have been injured in a cycling accident you need comprehensive legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation and care you deserve. Don’t take chance with your future.
Navigating the legal system can be challenging but the experienced team at Preszler Injury Lawyers is passionate about helping cyclists and they are here to answer any questions you have. For a free initial consultation, call 1-800-JUSTICE or visit their website today.
