Peggy supports bill to protect cyclists and pedestrians
Take action - sign the petition below to support the requirement of side guards for trucks!
TORONTO - The Conservative Government’s lax approach to transport issues is putting Canadian pedestrians and cyclists at risk, according to the New Democrat Official Opposition.
Today, New Democrat Transport Critic Olivia Chow introduced a bill to improve road safety through the proven and practical use of guards on all heavy road trucks, preventing vulnerable road-users from being trapped in the space between a truck’s wheels. Parkdale - High Park MP Peggy Nash seconded the bill, which was introduced in memory of cyclist Jenna Morrison who was killed when she was hit by a truck on November 7th.
“When it comes to creating safe roads for everyone, the Conservatives are dropping the ball. One preventable death is one too many. It's time we did a better job protecting cyclists and pedestrians," said Chow.
The fitting of heavy trucks with side guards is recognized both in Canada and internationally as a simple measure that can save the lives of pedestrians and cyclists. In Europe, the EU has required this for more than two decades.
In a statement in the House of Commons, Nash urged immediate government action on cyclist safety. "It's long overdue," says Nash. "If we'd had this measure in place ten years ago when a coroner's inquest recommended it, it would have saved many lives."
On Monday morning, the Parkdale - High Park MP joined hundreds of cyclists and other community members in a memorial bike ride in Toronto's west end.
READ MORE
"Cities move independently to put safety barriers on trucks", Globe and Mail, 29 November 2011
"Sadness, frustration at memorial ride for Jenna Morrison", NOW, 14 November 2011
