Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists ARChive: Diary of ARC Happenings
Toronto cyclists standing together.
 legal defence, direct action, lobbying, education
Memorial: September 1, 1998

It was a BIG memorial. Hamish played the bagpipes, which was a fabulous touch. People were upset that this death happened and that it was so similar to others that happened in the 1996, with the truck and all. It's really really really time for trucks to stop killing cyclists. Go sideguards, go! Other people were angry that the cyclist was killed on Spadina, because the City transportation department refused to design the road with cyclists in mind.

PRESS RELEASE

On Tuesday, August 25th a 34 year old cyclist was killed after being hit by the rear wheels of a transport truck. He was riding north on Spadina Ave. south of King St. He died at the scene. This terrible crash draws attention to several important issues:

Cyclists need space! This cyclists died because a large motor vehicle passed him too close. If you are passing a cyclist in a motor vehicle, make sure to leave lots of room. Cyclists are legally entitled to the entire lane when it isn't wide enough to safely share with a motor vehicle. If you are approaching a cyclist from behind, slow down and move into the left hand lane before passing.

Cycling isn't dangerous, driving is. Too often we are told that cycling is a dangerous activity. Yet it is motor vehicles, not bicycles that create the dangerous conditions. Motor vehicle drivers need to be alert to the fact that one little mistake on their part can cost a cyclist's life. The number of cyclists in Toronto is burgeoning. It's time that our city's road design reflected the fact that bicycles are a legitimate and beneficial transportation choice.

Toronto cyclists are a strong community. We are holding this memorial because what happened to these cyclists could have happened to any one of us.

Main ARC page | ARChive | Intersection Online


Intersection Online Detour Page
The keeper of this page is Be Smiley.