Growing concerns about cycling safety and deaths

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY SAFETY AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

************************* Addendum - cycling death review announcement

(October 24, 2011) - Dr. Andrew McCallum, chief coroner for Ontario, is announcing that the Office of the Chief Coroner will be conducting a review of cycling deaths across the province.

This review is being undertaken as a result of public concern surrounding the issue of cycling safety.

The review will be led by Dr. Dan Cass, regional supervising coroner - Toronto West Region, and will include deaths from 2006 to 2010.

The purpose of the review is to identify common factors that may have played a role in the deaths, and where possible, to make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

The review is expected to be completed in spring 2012.

A report will be issued at its conclusion.

A coalition of groups including cyclists and seniors represented by lawyers Patrick Brown and Albert Koehl commended the Coroner's Office.

Members of the public are invited to offer comments or recommendations to the review panel before November 30, 2011, by writing to: Dr. Dan Cass, regional supervising coroner, Toronto West Region, Office of the Chief Coroner, 26 Grenville Street, Toronto ON M7A 2G7; e-mail.

"Cycling activity is increasing in many parts of the province and like other users of our roadways, cyclists ought to be safe. By examining these deaths, we hope to find ways to increase their safety," said Dr. Andrew McCallum, chief coroner for Ontario.

"Safety improvements for one group of road users benefits other users. Any decrease in collisions will also reduce health care costs, suffering, and family grief, which makes this initiative very important for the entire community," noted Patrick Brown, lawyer for a coalition of concerned groups, including cyclists and seniors.

Quick facts

Fifteen to 20 cyclists die annually in Ontario as a result of accidental injuries.

Learn more

Ontario's Death Investigation system

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