Did you know that Canadian provinces are falling behind many of our American cousins who have been creating Vulnerable Road User Laws, that is laws that provide additional legal protection for those who are more likely to be injured on the road?
(Aren't we all vulnerable road users at some point every day? Everyone takes crosswalks and sidewalks. Many people cycle at least some time of year. This applies to us all.)
A new report released by the Toronto's chief medical officer shows how cycling and walking are both good for our health and save it's money. The report, “Road to Health: Improving Walking and Cycling in Toronto,” also demonstrates how reducing motor vehicle speeds reduces the number of people being killed annually, recommending that Toronto lower speed limits to 30 on residential streets and 40 on arterials.
If you're a CBC Radio nerd like me you might have heard a renewed mandatory helmet debate this morning with the news that a cyclist died from "life-threatening head injuries" in a crash a month ago at Caledonia and Davenport. The media and police have jumped on the fact that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet.
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."
The Toronto Star is reporting that a cyclist was hit by a car and severely injured near Lake Shore and Parliament this morning.
The impact of the collision sent the man flying into the windshield of the car, which was cracked but did not shatter.
The man was taken to St. Michael's Hospital with serious head injuries, but he is expected to live, according to police.
So my new job has me riding back into the financial district on a daily basis and I find myself once again duly impressed with the ironic stupidity of some of the well-dressed and gainfully-employed folks around here.
Recent comments