(Photo credit: seeman/morguefile.com)
When Ontario announced new legislation in an attempt to decrease rates of distracted driving, there were also proposed measures to improve the safety of cyclists.
Cyclists may be glad to hear that conviction fines for dooring incidents could increase to $300 to $1,000 from the current $60 to $500 and demerit point penalties would rise to three from two. Unfortunately, dooring is not tracked by Toronto Police, but cyclists can access statistics through an open-sourced app Doored.ca, which was created by a Torontonian.
The legislation also proposes that drivers be required to maintain one metre of distance away from passing cyclists and cyclists could be allowed to use the paved shoulders on unrestricted provincial highways to ride safely. Cyclists could also see contra-flow bike lanes, depending on whether their municipality approves it, which would offer riders more direct and connected routes.
The province also proposed legislation changes to ensure cyclists are riding safely on the roads. If the current legislation passes, riders would be allowed to use flashing red lights as a safety feature on their bicycle. Also, riders that don’t use the required bicycle lights and other reflectors/reflective material during the rides will see the maximum fine increase to between $60 to $500 from $20.
It’s important that if a cyclist is involved in a collision that they treat it as they would a motor vehicle accident. They should also be aware that in dooring incidents reverse onus applies, which means that it’s up to the vehicle driver to prove that they were not in the wrong when the bicycle-vehicle accident occurred.
Cyclists should also wear a helmet while riding, which reduces the chance of a head injury by 74 to 85 per cent, along with reducing the chances of nose and upper face injuries by about 65 per cent. Pediatricians are currently pushing for legislation requiring both minors and adults to wear a helmet when operating a bicycle.
Bicycle sharing is gaining popularity worldwide and with more than 600,000 people using their bicycles as a mode of transportation on a daily basis, according to Share the Road Coalition, it’s important that both drivers and cyclists share the road in a safe manner.
Bicycle accidents can be a harrowing experience for anyone involved. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers have been handling personal injury claims for clients throughout Ontario for more than 45 years. We know how to get you the compensation you need. Call us at 416-920-4242 to set up a free consultation. Come chat with us!
Greg Neinstein
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