57-year-old cyclist in Toronto hits a car door and flies off his bike before landing on the roadway where he was struck and killed by a Ford cube van.
The death of a Toronto cyclist, who was killed yesterday after his bike hit a car door that was being opened, is the type of tragedy that is becoming all too familiar on the city's streets, bicycle activists say.
Toronto police say that the 57-year-old man was heading east on his bicycle on Eglinton Ave. W. just west of Avenue Rd. yesterday afternoon around 1 p.m. when the driver of a parked Volvo started to get out of his car.
The cyclist hit the door and flew off his bike before landing on the roadway, where he was struck by a Ford cube van.
The man was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries.
Yvonne Bambrick, assistant coordinator for the Toronto Cyclist Union, said today that while bike accidents are not as frequent as car collisions, the reality is that mishaps with car doors put cyclists at great risk.
"You have to be aware that there are bikes on the road. You must look before you open your door onto the roadway," Bambrick said, adding that cyclists also have to take some responsibility.
“Be aware of the road users around you and act accordingly . . . you can not not pay attention when you are on a bike.”
There have been 12 bicycle-related fatalities in Toronto since 2004, according to Toronto Traffic Services. In 200
There have been 12 bicycle-related fatalities in Toronto since 2004, according to Toronto Traffic Services. In 2007, there were 1,163 motor-related bike collisions reported.
Although the investigation is still ongoing, Sgt. Tim Burrows, communications and media relations officer for Toronto Traffic Services, said that it was likely an accident and it does not look like charges will be laid.
Regardless, police are asking witnesses to call 416-808-1900 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
The family is asking for privacy and police have not released his name.
Precious Yutangco Staff Reporter, The Star