Thought provoking or simply tasteless?

July 28, 2016, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

According to Statistics Canada there are approximately 7,500 cyclists seriously injured every year on the roads. In 2013 there were 69 cyclists killed on Canadian roads as a result of car crashes. Cyclists consider cars to be a leading danger on the roads, and many people cite their fear of being hit by a car as a reason they don’t cycle more. American mortality rates are consistent with Canadian ones.

In light of this it was a fairly controversial move by one individual to enter a float in the Columbus, Ohio Doo-Dah parade that depicted a bike being hit by a car and the cyclist hanging out of the sun roof. The car had a sign on the side that said “I’ll share the road when you follow the rules”. Many people along the route were angered by the display and took to social media to express their anger.

The question became “Is the image offensive and insensitive, or does it highlight the problem of cyclists not following the rules, and drivers not tolerating cyclists on the roads?”. We have a long way to go in Canada to make our roads safer for cyclists. Education for bikers and better police enforcement would help with safety, as would dedicated bike lanes and a stronger awareness of car drivers about cyclists on the roadways. The truth that the cyclist will always be the most injured in any accident is the one undisputed fact.

In Canada:

1. 7500 cyclists are injured every year on the roads
2. Most bicycle accidents happen in the afternoons during rush hour when everyone is in a hurry and likely distracted by the traffic and their day.
3. Cyclists are most likely to be injured or killed at controlled intersections (lights or stop signs).
4. One third of all cyclist deaths happen at night.

As a driver you can do your part to keep cyclists safe by paying attention to them on the road, giving them ample room when you are passing them (it’s the law), giving them the whole lane if they require it, and always doing shoulder checks when changing lanes or turning.

As a cyclist you should wear brightly coloured clothes and a helmet, obey all traffic rules, don’t assume you have the right of way, make eye contact with drivers when possible, get a bell, and use lights as required by law when riding at night. Don’t drive impaired.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

The opinions expressed here, while intended to provide useful information, should not be interpreted as legal recommendations or advice.