Mandatory bicycle helmets urged by Ontario coroner
All 129 cyclist deaths in Ontario between 2006 and 2010 were preventable, coroner says
The Canadian Press
Posted: Jun 18, 2012 11:43 AM ET
Last Updated: Jun 18, 2012 7:22 PM ET
Related
External Links
(Note:CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external links.)
Every single one of the cycling deaths in Ontario between 2006 and 2010 was preventable, according to a report from the office of the chief coroner.
This ghost bike memorial in Ottawa was created in memory of Danielle Naçu, who died nearby while cycling to work. (Giacomo Panico/CBC)The report released Monday examined the circumstances around 129 deaths between January 2006 and December 2010.
Only 27 per cent — or 35 out of 129 — of the cyclists killed were wearing helmets.
The review found that 86 per cent of the cyclists killed were men. The peak age for cycling deaths was 45 to 54.
The report recommends implementing a provincial cycling plan, launching a public awareness campaign and making changes to legislation to improve road safety.
It also suggests making helmets mandatory for all cyclists.
Province updating cycling policy
Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli said the province is updating its cycling policy and agrees with the coroner's principles.
"We will assess those recommendations in a timely manner while also considering timelines and budgets," Chiarelli said in a statement.
"We know how important cycling is for all Ontarians as a way to travel and as part of a healthy, active lifestyle ... we will be carefully reviewing the coroner's recommendations as part of that update."
The coroner launched the inquest less than two weeks after Ottawa cyclist Danielle Naçu was killed while cycling down a downtown street. She was struck by a car door and knocked into moving traffic.
With files from CBC NewsShare Tools
Latest Toronto News Headlines
- Wearing a mask at a riot is now a crime
- The bill that bans the wearing of masks or disguises during a riot or unlawful assembly became one of Canada's newest laws today. more »
- Bob Rae quits as MP in 'very emotional' decision
- Bob Rae, who has represented the Toronto Centre riding for the Liberals since 2008, is stepping down as a Member of Parliament to devote more time to his work as a negotiator for First Nations in Northern Ontario. more »
- TDSB considers selling properties to fund future repairs

- Toronto District School Board trustees will discuss the selling off of almost a dozen properties to raise the money for its capital budget during a private meeting tonight. more »
- Public health approach to bullying and suicide prevention urged
- Bullying is a public health problem that can be prevented to improve the health of young people, researchers say. more »
Must Watch
Top News Headlines
- Sopranos star James Gandolfini dies in Italy
- James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a brutal, emotionally delicate mob boss in HBO's 'The Sopranos' helped create one of TV's greatest drama series and turned the mobster stereotype on its head, died Wednesday in Italy. He was 51. more »
- B.C. First Nation sets fires to save bison
- A First Nation band is reviving the age-old practice of controlled burning in order to improve the health of forests and restore the population of the wood bison in a corner of northeastern B.C. more »
- Canada buys rare War of 1812 collection for $573K
- The government of Canada was the winning bidder for a large collection of letters, maps and other papers that once belonged to Sir John Sherbrooke, the lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia who conquered Maine for the British during the War of 1812. The collection sold for $573,000 at auction in London. more »
- Bob Rae quits as MP in 'very emotional' decision
- Bob Rae, who has represented the Toronto Centre riding for the Liberals since 2008, is stepping down as a Member of Parliament to devote more time to his work as a negotiator for First Nations in Northern Ontario. more »
- Joni Mitchell plays rare performance at Luminato tribute
- Indiegogo defends Rob Ford crack video campaign
- Couple baffled over burger franchise lockout
- Mayor Ford sees 'final nail in the coffin' of bag ban
- New Parkdale bylaw would restrict bars, nightclubs
- Police release video of suspect vehicle in Toronto homicide
- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford needs security, brother says
- Bob Rae quits as MP in 'very emotional' decision
- Experimental drug shows promise in treating breast, ovarian cancer


Toronto traffic with Joan Chang