Oct 05, 2022 in News Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle Accidents: Bicycling Accidents in Toronto Are Going Through the Roof

The Ontario Provincial Police's statistics make for grim reading–cycling accident-related deaths are up 300 percent in 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. And it's not just fatalities, hospitalizations due to bicycling accidents have increased to over 5,000.

Toronto's Roads Are "Dangerous by Design"

ActiveTO and the city's Vision Zero Road Safety Plan are supposed to have encouraged cycling and contributed to safer cycling, yet, the bicycle accident numbers in Toronto tell a different story. Alison Stewart, with Cycle Toronto, says, "factors such as speed and aggressive driving are among the leading causes of fatal collisions."

Wide and straight roads, too, are said to encourage speeding. Cycling trails are often placed alongside fast-moving traffic, such as major arterial roads, meaning even a minor fall can throw cyclists into the path of oncoming traffic.

Studies have shown the growing size of vehicles is also to blame. Though SUVs and trucks make up just a quarter of the vehicles on the roads, they account for 44.1 percent of fatal cycling accidents. 

What Should You Do if You Are Involved in a Cycling Accident? 

You will have heard this before, but if you have been involved in a bicycling accident in Toronto, there are a few things you should try and do immediately:

1. Seek medical attention without delay
2. Contact the police immediately
3. Document the scene of the accident with photos
4. Get contact details of witnesses
5. Take insurance details from the driver of the motor vehicle
6. Talk to bicycling accident lawyers

Ontario has a no-fault system of insurance, meaning insurance companies are required to pay statutory accident benefits to anyone who has been injured. It does not matter if you, as a cyclist, don’t have auto insurance–you are still eligible to receive accident benefits. 

If you were injuried in an accident in which no one had insurance coverage, you can still receive compensation for your injuries and property damage.

Pursuing a Cycling Accident Claim

Though bad driving is the cause of many accidents, unsafe road conditions can also play a part in cycling accidents in Toronto. According to Ontario's Municipal Act, municipalities are responsible for keeping roads in a reasonable state of repair, else they can be held liable for resulting injuries and property damage. 

There are many parts to a cycling accident claim, which is why you need to work with experienced bicycling accident lawyers. Book a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, and understand your options.