Intrepid blogger (and community organizer) Mez was the only media at the press conference for the Toronto Police's "Share the Road" bike safety campaign launch on Monday. Being the only one meant he had plenty of time to try to convince the police present to do a better of job of targeting the worst offenders both on bike and in car, and not just the everyday cyclist. Mez can't help but to inject a bit of activism into his reporting:
The Toronto Police are reporting (PDF) that a cyclist was hit and injured last night while riding on Coxwell Ave., north of Gerrard St.
On Thursday, May 7, 2009, at 11:07 p.m., police responded to a call for a personal injury collision on Coxwell Avenue, north of Casci Avenue.
It is reported that:
- a 19−year−old man was riding his bicycle north on Coxwell Avenue, in the right lane,
- a Safari van was travelling north on Coxwell Avenue, in the left lane,
- the cyclist turned left into the path of the van and was hit.
The cyclist was taken to hospital with life−threatening injuries.
The cyclist was not wearing a helmet but was wearing headphones, which may have limited
his ability to sense his surroundings.Although the cyclist is at the age where helmets are not mandatory for cycling, the use of one
has been shown to reduce head injuries when worn properly.
The story has been picked up by a few media outlets today too:
The Toronto Star reports that, "His chest was crushed and he suffered a closed-head injury to his brain. He was taken to St. Michael's Hospital in life-threatening condition, but he is now expected to survive."
Remember the video of the New York cop body-checking a cyclist? Well he's been fired or he's resigned, depending on who you talk to.
NEW YORK - New York City police say an officer seen in a YouTube video knocking a bicyclist to the pavement during a protest has been kicked off the force, although his lawyer says his client resigned.
Man faces six charges in fail－to－remain collision
Broadcast time: 11:28 Friday, November 21, 2008
Traffic Services
Torontonians will get another chance to claim thier stolen bikes from Igor. The police are holding one more series of open houses to display the recovered bikes at 35 Strachan Avenue
From TPS Press release
And from City News
Please review and forward the information to anyone who has had a bicycle stolen. The Police need people to claim their stolen bikes to build the case against the accused, Igor Kenk.
Approximately 1500 bicycles have been recovered from the Igor's "Bicycle Clinic" on 927 Queen St W and other storage units. Many of them, if not the majority are stolen.
Public Viewing Monday July 21, 2008 10am-6pm - 9 Hanna Ave, Toronto
More public viewing to be announced when all the recovered bikes are sorted out...
It's no surprise to anyone that more people are riding bikes these days. It's in the news, the bike stores are busier than ever, and it's become harder to find places to lock your bike because of all the other bikes.
Bicycling Magazine is finally shifting their focus a smidgen towards urban cycling issues with article on the founders and followers of Critical Mass.
From the article (we've got a ways to go to match Budapest!):
The Toronto Police issued the following news release today:
"Safe Cycling - Share the Responsibility" campaign results
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 7:30 AM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900On Sunday June 22, 2008, the Toronto Police Service concluded their one-week "Safe Cycling – Share the Responsibility" campaign.
Officers issued 6,671 tickets to motorists and cyclists who were found committing offences. Of the tickets issued:
Well, well. Toronto's finest have been known to lay some dumb charges against cyclists over the years. Like the infamous tickets for not putting your foot down when stopping at a stop sign. Now, for many years, I have heard lots of reports about them trying to hand out demerit points to those cyclists who had a driver's license while handing out tickets. I think not. Read below and please contact Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists if you have been treated that way over a traffic ticket while riding your bike.
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