September 3, 2024 - (Toronto, ON) A 26-year-old woman struck by the driver of a vehicle while cycling in Etobicoke on Aug. 24 has succumbed to her injuries marking the sixth cyclist to die in what has already been the deadliest year for bike riders in Toronto in nearly 20 years reports the Toronto Star.
As previously reported 2024 has been the deadliest year for cyclists in the city since 2006 when record-keeping began – see the city’s Vision Zero dashboard. Eventhough Toronto has spent millions on bike lanes and updating infrastructure, with plans to spend more in the coming years, it’s too little, too late say advocates.
“We need bold leadership and big time changes for today’s reality. The dangerous driving and negligent driving out there is prolific,” said lawyer Dave Shellnutt, who specializes in representing injured cyclists and pedestrians. “Enforcement of the current laws is weak along with legislation surrounding penalties for vehicular deaths.”
In July, another female cyclist, riding in a Bloor Street bike line, was forced into traffic to avoid a dumpster in the lane and was struck and killed by the driver of a dump truck – read more here.
Read the full Toronto Star report here.
