Justice for People Hurt on Ontario Roads
We urge you to let your future elected leaders know that that you believe people's lives matter. Scroll down to make a difference.
Our roads should be safe for everyone. When tragedy and death happen, the people responsible must be held accountable for the harms that they have inflicted.
Who is a Vulnerable Road User?
You.
If you are on a street or sidewalk and are not protected by a vehicle, you are a Vulnerable Road User.
Why is a VRU Law Important?
In our current system, drivers that injure or kill someone on our roads face minimal sentencing. If charged, most end up paying a small monetary fine and are not required to attend court.
A VRU law would ensure mandatory penalties apply to people that break the law. Such as:
Mandatory court appearance to face victim and family.
Driver re-education so they can learn how to be safe drivers.
Community Service - educating others on how to be safe drivers.
License Suspension until the above requirements have been met.
To review the draft legislation click here
This is 23 year old Alex Amaro who was killed while riding her bike. She was hit by three drivers. Speed was a factor. There were no charges.
Below is a 15 minute video from CBC Marketplace looking into the increase in dangerous driving in Ontario with Bike Law Canada February 21, 2021.
Please note there are three stories below which may be hard for some people to read.
Edouard Le Blanc was cycling when a person ran a red light and hit him.
He died at the scene.
The driver pled guilty and was fined $700.
There has to be changes...if there's no changes this will continue for many years and families will be left with dealing with the aftermath. Maisie Le Blanc
Jessica Spieker was riding to work when a driver of an SUV slammed into her.
The crash broke her spine, inflicted a brain injury and so much physical damage that she nearly died a second time.
She is now a spokesperson for Friends and Families for Safe Streets , which is a group of bereaved family members and crash survivors that advocates for safety for Vulnerable Road Users, and provides support to victims in the aftermath of road violence.
Despite inflicting a life sentence (on me)... the only consequence this driver faced, despite breaking the law was a $300 fine.
Erica Stark, wife and mother of 3 boys, was standing on the sidewalk when a person drove their van onto the curb and killed her.
The driver was fined $1,000 and 6 months driving restriction.
As it is right now, people who are charged never have to set foot in court. They can be represented by a lawyer or their agent. David Stark
Charges, Sentences and Fines
Most deaths and injuries do not result in charges.
Those that are charged, the charge is usually under the Highway Traffic Act. Most cases that lead to conviction result in a penalty or a small fine.
Out of all cycling fatalities, 62% were at fault of the driver, only 23% were actually charged.
From the City of Toronto Pedestrian and Cycling Safety Report :
In Toronto, about 67% of pedestrian injuries can be attributed to driver error.
Data provided by Bike Law Canada
Emails Sent to MPPs in the last campaign
If you are on mobile, please click the box below to pop the map out into a new tab.
Electoral Districts, number of emails sent and results of public support survey
Why is this important now?
Our streets remain dangerous.
We need political support for VRU Laws from our elected leaders. Driver injuries and deaths have decreased over time, while pedestrian and cycling deaths and injuries has increased. This law is one step toward changing driving behaviors and addressing the imbalance that Vulnerable Road users face.
People who have disabilities have been forgotten for a long time. This legislation will help create equity on our streets.
Daniella Levy-Pinto works with Walk Toronto and Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition to create awareness about what it is like for pedestrians who are blind to get around independently in Ontario and to advocate for changes.
Here she explains what this law means to her as a pedestrian who happens to be blind.
Daniella Levy-Pinto
What you can do
SHARE this website by the sharing box at the top of the page or copy and paste this link: Vulnerable Road Users Website
Get involved with a local group that is working to make streets safer. You can make a difference.
For more information
We have collected more information for you about the history, proposed changes and how our streets have changed.
Please click on this link for more information on the Vulnerable Road Users Acts
Thank you
To the many victims and their families who have not stayed silent and shared their stories. We understand this is hard.
To the people of Ontario who care about making our roads and streets safer and ensuring justice for everyone.
To the advocates who have worked for over a decade to change the laws so vulnerable road users have justice.
We hope that this journey will end in a victory for you and every person in Ontario.
For more information email Bike Law Canada :
- Patrick@bikelaw.com
- Melissa@bikelaw.com
