Wynne government must come to grips with public safety crisis facing cyclists, vulnerable road users: DiNovo

On Thursday, Parkdale-High Park NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo released the following statement regarding the death of a cyclist in Parkdale and the need to protect vulnerable road users:

“Yesterday, tragedy unfolded in Parkdale when a cyclist was struck and killed by an out of control pickup truck. A family lost a husband, son, father and brother. And our community lost yet another cyclist—one of many vulnerable road users that are struck by vehicles each year.

As a province, we must come to grips with the public safety crisis facing our pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users. While we can’t undo yesterday’s tragic event, we can position ourselves to become a leader in public safety. The Protecting Vulnerable Road Users Act would reduce injuries and deaths among vulnerable road users including cyclists, pedestrians, people in wheelchairs, emergency responders, and construction workers. The Bill will strengthen consequences for all driving offences and require a culpable motorist to attend court for sentencing and to hear victim impact statements. It is simply the most comprehensive vulnerable road user law in North America.

Municipalities, accident victims and families are looking to the province for leadership on this issue—Premier Kathleen Wynne must not let them down. The Protecting Vulnerable Road Users Act must be enacted swiftly and without delay.”