Implement all recommendations in the Regional Coroner’s Report on Cycling Fatalities in Toronto

Implement all recommendations in the Regional Coroner’s Report on Cycling Fatalities in Toronto

Toronto has been recognized as a North American leader for being the first jurisdiction to undertake a comprehensive coroner's report to identify the causes of cycling accidents and fatalities in order to improve the safety of cyclists. The Regional Coroner’s Report on Cycling Fatalities in Toronto (1998) was a groundbreaking document, but very little has been done to implement its recommendations. The list is long indeed and includes:

for the City of Toronto,

  • establish a multi-disciplinary team to conduct an annual review of all cycling fatalities
  • identify potentially dangerous locations for cyclists where site specific improvements can be made to prevent bicycle collisions.
  • report all cycling collisions, whether or not a motor vehicle is involved
  • capture and code all collision data pertaining to cyclists
  • participate in a multi-disciplinary team to conduct an annual review of all cycling fatalities

for the Federal government,

  • Transport Canada investigate the feasibility of requiring "side guards" for large trucks, trailers and buses operated in urban areas to prevent pedestrians and cyclists being run over by the rear wheels in collisions with these large vehicles(see pictured above)

for the Ontario government,

  • The Ontario Ministry of Transportation should amend the HTA so that all cycling collisions are reported, whether or not a motor vehicle is involved
  • Include more cycling content in the Province of Ontario's Official Bus and Truck Handbooks
  • Update and improve cycling content included in driver training and driver instructor programs
  • Recommend changes to the HTA and municipal by-laws to be more consistent and understandable with respect to cycling and cyclists.

TCAT calls on the next Council to:

13. The City of Toronto should implement all recommendations from the Coroner's report that fall under the city's jurisdiction

14. The City of Toronto should advocate for action on the Coroner's report recommendations that apply to the Federal and Provincial Governments and report annually to the Toronto Cycling Committee on progress made