Accident at Stirling and Dundas
November 7, 2011 - 1:40pm — Warren
It looks like there was an accident at Stirling and Dundas today. Dundas was closed off to traffic. It looks like a cyclist was involved, a truck was stopped near by. My prayers are with those involved.
Memorial ride - Dupont and Railpath
Monday morning's memorial will also include a ride of local neighbours, starting at 7:30am on the Railpath at Dupont St.:
"Hello friends and neighbours,
A number of people will be riding down the railpath to attend the vigil for Jenna. The meet-up is happening at Dupont & the railpath shortly after 7:30 and we will leave at around 7:40/45. Please come and join us if you can."
More details about the rides and memorial for Jenna on Monday morning:
https://www.junctiontriangle.ca/node/1307
Highly visible?
As avid cyclists and business owners in the Triangle, Shelley & I want to extend our condolences to the family & friends of the Morrison family.
It is obvious that our community has suffered a great loss. I was unable to read all of the posts so please forgive me if this has already been mentioned.
Since the opening of the Railpath that corner as we all know has become a very busy hub for ALL types of traffic. Why has there never been highly visible signs posted in all three directions AND a decrease in speed limits ,east-west along Dundas? The speed issue would not have changed yesterdays tradegy but their is NO caution shown by drivers at that corner in ANY direction.
They post signage for deer everywhere in the City.
Why not mothers???
Cyclist Killed Exiting the West Toronto Railpath: Please Make Th
Hi Everyone,
Many of us are terribly saddened and/or angered by this accident and many of us are thinking, that could hve been me. And of course, what an absolute tragedy this preventable incident is. My heart goes out to Jenna's family. I wrote a letter to the city and posted in below. I have receive a personal response from our city councillor and thought I'd share that with you all . Take care and whether you are on bike or in car, drive safe.
____________________________________________________
Dear Mayor Ford and our City Councillors,
RE: Cyclist Killed Exiting the West Toronto Railpath: Please Make This Route Safe for Cyclists
I am writing as a pregnant mother of 1 who is truly devastated by the recent fatal accident that occurred yesterday, killing Jenna Morrison, as she was cycling near the West Toronto Railpath. Jenna was a mother of a 5 yr old boy Lucas She was also 5 months pregnant. I too have a young son and am 6 months pregnant. I am a resident of ward 18, the same neighbourhood as Jenna and this is the cycling route that my partner and I take with our 3 yr old son on our commute to work each day.
I am heartsick by this unnecessary tragedy. I understand that accidents happen, yet I strongly believe that this is preventable and could have been avoided My husband and I have expressed great concern in the past about the poor planning and unsafe exiting point off the West Toronto Railpath onto Dundas St.W. and have said time again that something must be done.
I strongly urge you to consider to invest resources into planning a safer option for cyclist exiting the West Toronto Railpath onto Dundas W & College St. travelling west and east bound in either direction. I urge you to immediately install highly visible signage to alert motorist to this high cycling traffic area to increase visibility to drivers and safety for cyclist. As a motorist and cyclist its clearly a win, win situation.
I believe this is a an easy and affordable solution. I just wish we found and implemented it sooner so Jenna's life could be saved. Please consider my plea to create a safer exit off the West Toronto Railpath and immediately install signage to alert motorist to increased cycling traffic at this intersection to prevent future unnecessary cycling fatalities in this area.
Thank you,
Lisa Thibodeau
Resident of Ward 18
Ana's Response:
Dear Ms. Thibodeau,
Thank you for taking the time to contact me. As you are aware, on November 7th a tragic incident took place involving the death of female cyclist near Dundas Street West and Sterling Avenue. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of this woman, as we all struggle to come to terms with this terrible accident. Among the most difficult aspects of such events is the knowledge that it was preventable. Unable to understand the senselessness of this tragedy, I do understand the importance of preventing other similar situations in the future In the year since my election, I have been working quickly to address safety concerns heard while canvassing and speaking to residents in this area. Drivers and cyclists approached me about the nearby College and Dundas Street W. intersection, which has poor sight lines, high speeds, awkward intersection angles, and many street car tracks. I have been working closely with City Staff to explore extending the Dundas Street bike lane, as well as installing a designated bike-turning space, both in the effort of promoting safety and reducing risk to cyclists. Due to the proximity of this intersection and the site of yesterday's devastating tragedy, I recognize the need to further expand the scope of these efforts, and to continue my work with staff to improve safety, and act quickly. As a result, I have contacted the Manager of Toronto's Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure Department to stress the critical importance of addressing these concerns as soon as possible. I have also asked him to review the Accident Reconstruction analysis that Toronto Police are currently investigating, which will identify any contributing factors in the incident. It is my sincere hope that with this information we can create a thorough strategy for addressing safety at this site with the direct goal of preventing future tragedies. We are more than neighbours; we are a community of people who can look out of each other. When one of us is exposed to hazards, we all are. We must therefore accommodate each other, and develop a balance between each of our transit styles. I continue working closely on these cycling projects, from designated bike-turning boxes, extended bike paths, and the expansion of the West Toronto Railpath, to make cycling in our neighbourhood safer. I remind all drivers and cyclists to be careful on our road - to leave room, check mirrors twice, and drive defensively and respectfully of others. Thank you again for contacting me and please do not hesitate to do so in the future. Sincerely,
Ana Bailão City CouncillorWard 18, Davenport ? councillor_bailao@toronto.ca ( (416) 392-7012 Â www.AnaBailao.ca
[TPS] - Traffic fatality #30/2011, Cyclist struck, Dundas Street
Toronto Police Service
News Release
Traffic fatality #30/2011, Cyclist struck, Dundas Street West/Sterling Road
Wednesday, November 9, 2011 - 1:35 PM
Traffic Services
416-808-1900
The Traffic Services Unit is requesting the public's assistance with a cyclist struck fatality.
On Monday, November 7, 2011, at approximately 11:30 a.m., police responded to a cyclist struck collision at Dundas Street West and Sterling Road.
It is reported that:
- a 38-year-old woman was cycling southbound, on Sterling Road, approaching Dundas Street West
- a 55-year-old man, driving a Freightliner five-ton truck, was also travelling southbound on Stirling Road, stopped at Dundas Street West
- the cyclist, who was between the curb and the truck, lost her balance and fell into the truck as they were both making the right turn to proceed onto Dundas Street West
The cyclist suffered massive trauma and was pronounced deceased on scene.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook.
To learn more about the Toronto Police,Traffic Services Safety Program, that aims to reduce pedestrian injury and death through education and awareness, click here.
Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at:
Twitter, Facebook Fan Page, Facebook Group and on Blog.
Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services
Castlepoint Developments: New RP Access Immediatley
In related news, Castlepoint, who is developing the lands along Railpath north of Nestle sent the Friends of Railpath a note this afternoon for public release.
"The owners of Castlepoint like all of us are upset and saddened by the tragic death of Jenna Morrison.
Castlepoint has decided they are going to open up a walkway/bikeway to the West Toronto Rail Path across their lands from Sterling - immediately. They feel the community needs this off road connection to improve safety for the public and the public shouldn’t have to wait for the City to make a decision on Castlepoint’s development application.
Alan Heisey"
The last sentence means that they feel that the issue is important enough to move ahead on their own before the details of their development are agreed upon with the City.
Sterling and Dundas Bikers and Cautions
The accident that occurred here yesterday was preventable - I think that a set of lights installed at this intersection will help but also I have seen cyclists bolt out of the path right in front of me as I am driving - there is a perception that some cyclists have that a car has to automatically come to a stop to let them speed by (even if it means they are ignoring the stop sign, or that they (cyclists) don't need to abide by the commonsense rules drivers have to face)!
I usually do drive slowly as I come near the opening of the Bike path at that junction, as I have had a number of these near misses with cyclists cutting across from the South Side of the bridge to head into the bike path which starts at the North. - I know the other solution is the extension of this bike path south towards Strachan, none of these fixes will be quick - so in the meantime as we head into it getting darker earlier, I implore all Cyclists to obey the rules of the road, (that means stopping at stop signs and at red lights too) and we as drivers need to take a much more cautious approach when we come to where the path meets at this point & keep an eye out for cyclists at all times, - I am in favour of Licencing all bikes - that way when you can snap a shot of them bolting through red lights and stop signs so they can face ticketing and road rule enforcement, & hopefully they will also get the message to travel with more vigilence - I also think that the no cellphone and riding rules should be applied to cyclists too.
Sterling and Dundas Bikers and Cautions
Hear hear I'm afraid. My husband and I are avid cyclists, cycling as much as poss. around town, but equally we own a car and drive when needs be and as pro cycling as we are, we are constantly talking about how much bad cycling there is on the roads and how much cyclists (obviously some, not all) think they can get away with things that are wrong and dangerous. Sure, drivers can be lousy, but so can cyclists, they also don't own the roads.
Needless to say, this was a horrific and utterly heartbreaking accident. I am also a 40 yr old female cyclist who regularly cycles on that corner on a Monday with 2 young children in a trailer (and infact, when my husband heard on the news he assumed it was me) and this news leaves me with serious chills.
Keeping Cyclists Safe
I am very saddened by the news of this cyclist dieing on Sterling/Dundas W. I agree with all of the above comments of Mason (?) however, the way to make motorists aware of this bike path mergeing with Dundas, is by getting city to put up a big sign. Unless this is your neighorhood, you really would have no way of knowing that the Rail Path intersects at this juncture.
I think a licensing system is a good idea, for no other reason than it requiring cyclists to get to know the RULES OF THE ROAD. I drive around the city for a big portion of each workday, and I get very frustrated watching so many cyclists do crazy things, like turning on the inside of a turning car! A car in the middle of it's right hand turn may not see this cyclist coming esp if they are in the car's blindspot, during point of turn. The cyclists may feel more at risk jutting out to the left of the car, so it's up to every driver out there to OPEN THEIR EYES to the
2- wheelers, who share our roads. Cyclists, you too, OPEN YOUR EYES! and take the earphones out so you can hear what's around you.
Be safe everyone.
inappropriate
According to the Star, police "stressed there is no indication the cyclist who was killed on Monday wasn’t following the rules." When I was there they were taking meticulous measurements so it's not that they didn't look.
Yesterday a child lost their mother and she WAS following the rules of the road. While your comments could be hurtful to the feelings of the family there is no chance they could shed any light on the situation.
The blame game
It doesn't help to blame all cyclists for what happened yesterday.
Yes, many cyclists technically break the law at that intersection. However, it's not known whether any actual law-breaking occurred in this case.
Also, here's a challenge: Stand at that intersection and count the number of motorists who actually stop at that stop sign. You'll find that it's surprisingly few or none at all (you might have to wait a while before you find a law-abiding motorist). The vast majority of drivers blow right past the stop line, past the curb-cut / crosswalk, and sometimes even into the bike lane before slowing down before turning. if they actually stop, it's well past where they are supposed to. If I can ever find the time, I'll make a video to show this.
While you implore cyclists to obey the rules of the road, I must also implore motorists to obey the rules of the road. They are the ones wielding much larger and deadlier weapons that have a long history of killing and maiming people.
As for licensing / taking photos /etc.... Would that really help? Hardly. Next time you see a motorist breaking a simple traffic law (e.g. running a stop sign, driving on the sidewalk, etc.) try taking a picture and telling the police about it. They won't care (in fact, they do it themselves all the time). Bike licensing has been studied by the City (and other jurisdictions) several times, and the conclusion is always the same: Too much cost for too little benefit, and with negative impacts on cycling.
Regarding cellphones while riding: I agree that this is a bad idea, but are you suggesting that the person who was killed here was riding and talking on the phone? If not, it's completely irrelevant to this incident.
-Vic
Police Culture and Response Must Change
I live very close to this spot and have seen flagrant ignoring of traffic laws all the time, almost all by cars, that whizz past open streetcar doors, change lanes without signaling (or probably looking) and speeding on what appears to be a highway (perceptually).
I have myself seen 2 bicycle accidents in the past year at Lansdowne and Dundas, due to 1. a taxi who rturned right while looking left (hit the cyclist, I was there, he didn't report it ) and 2. a cyclist who signalled properly for a left turn and was ignored by oncoming cars (a near miss).
What really angers me is the knee-jerk police response to cyclist and pedestrian 'accidents' is their response to somehow blame them and not the vehicle drivers.
See http://tinyurl.com/78gea63 where Sergeant John Winter has to go on about this in regards to the tragic death of the 38-year-old mother who was run over by a five-tonne truck.
"Sergeant John Winter, with traffic services, said awareness and visibility are paramount for the safety of cyclists. “How many times have you seen cyclists going outside the bike lanes to pass other cyclists at a high rate of speed, and cutting others off and disobeying the traffic lights and stop signs, so it works both ways,” he said.
ARRRRGHHHHH! Makes me think most police are never pedestrians or cyclists!
This is a real tragedy.
This is a real tragedy. Where is the approved bike lane on Lansdowne north of Bloor that was supposed to go in back in 2008.
bad intersection indeed
That intersection is very very dangerous. For two years I cycled my son to daycare and always wondered why there was no better way to get across the street other than to have to actually cross illegally Sterling, press the cross "walk" signal, walk over to the other side of Dundas....all to go East on Dundas. Forget about trying to get onto College, which is right there. You actually have to ride the sidewalk to safely get there. Ridiculous corner. How about a traffic signal for cyclists. There is such a thing in a civilized city!
Corner already being Studied
Councillor Bailao has indeed been trying to find a safer solution for that triangle over to Lansdowne. It has become unsafe for everybody, especially the 2 legged or 2 wheeled variety. Regardless of the Castlepoint development an set of lights is coming to that corner.
accident
unfortunately, CTV is reporting the accident involved a cycling fatility. that is very sad news, and I would not want to politicize this, but it appears to have happened at the exit of the (very safe) Rail Trail onto the (very unsafe) Dundas/Sterling intersection... while it has not been reported she was exiting/entering the Rail Trail, I do so every day and am very conscious of the danger of going from one to the other!
Very sad news, and thoughts and prayers for the families involved.
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111107/cyclist-dead-dun...
Bad Intersection
That intersection has become very dangerous over the last few years as traffic on Dundas as increased. I think we will see a light put in there.
CBC report
Also reported on CBC, with picture showing context:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2011/11/07/cyclist-toronto-s...
How Sad
My God - she had an empty child trailer attached to her bike. I use that path all the time - and I have kids too. How horrible... My thoughts and best wishes to her family...