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
Top News Headlines
- Harper 'not consulted' about Duffy Senate expense repayment
- Prime Minister Stephen Harper says that not only did he not know about his chief of staff's "gift" to repay Senator Mike Duffy's expenses before the story broke in the media, he was not consulted and did not sign off on Nigel Wright's decision to write a personal cheque. more »
- Mayor Ford stays silent while his brother defends him
- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford continues to stonewall the media over allegations that he was recorded on video smoking what appears to be crack cocaine, but his brother Coun. Doug Ford told reporters Wednesday that the story is untrue. more »
- 'You will see him again in heaven,' Sharlene Bosma tells daughter
- Sharlene Bosma told more than 1,000 people at the public memorial service for her slain husband, Tim Bosma, about the love they shared. more »
- Obama to visit Oklahoma following deadly tornado
- Rescue workers raced to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children. more »
Must Watch
Latest Health News Headlines
- Thalidomide drug label to warn of cancer risk
- A thalidomide drug that is approved as part of treatment for multiple myeloma may increase the risk of other cancers, Health Canada says. more »
- Over 1 million Montrealers face boil water advisory
- A boil water advisory is in effect for at least 24 hours across most of Montreal. more »
- Fentanyl-related deaths spark warning in Prince George
- Mounties in Prince George, B.C., are warning drug users about the powerful prescription opiate fentanyl which has turned up on the city's streets. more »
- Peewee hockey bodychecking faces national ban
- Hundreds of delegates arrive in Charlottetown Wednesday for the Hockey Canada annual general meeting, where they will vote on whether bodychecking should be banned nationally in minor hockey. more »
FEATURED HEALTH
- 2nd suspect named in Tim Bosma slaying
- 'You will see him again in heaven,' Sharlene Bosma tells daughter
- Over 1 million Montrealers face boil water advisory
- Video forensics: How easy would it be to fake a Rob Ford video?
- Man shot dead during FBI interview for Boston bombing probe
- Plumber's car explodes near Vancouver apartments
- Jodi Arias asks for 'second chance' during jail interview
- Mayor Ford stays silent while his brother defends him
- Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart crack jokes about Rob Ford

