Bikechain

Hello all,

This is forwarded from the Toronto Cyclist's Union regarding a most 
unfortunate happening from earlier this week; Please read, and if you 
can, come to the ride. We have also been graced with a delivery of 
buttons in memoriam, with donations going to support the deceased's 
family. We at Bikechain share the sentiments expressed and will keep 
you abreast of our lobbying to prevent these tragedies from recurring.

Ride with confidence. The road is your place too.

Best,

The Bikechain Team
---
November 11, 2011

Statement on Tragic Death of Toronto Cyclist, Jenna Morrison

Toronto Cyclists Union expresses condolences to Jenna Morrison?s bereaved
family

The Toronto Cyclists Union (bike union) is saddened and dismayed by last
Monday?s tragic, unnecessary death of cyclist Jenna Morrison.

Ms. Morrison, a mother of a five-year old, was struck by a truck and run
over on Sterling Road as she was riding her bicycle to her son?s school.
The truck continued through the intersection and Ms. Morrison was caught
beneath the back wheels of the truck, causing her fatal injuries. "We
extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Jenna Morrison?s family,"
said Andrea Garcia, Director of Advocacy for the bike union. "This tragic
and needless death was preventable. We reiterate our call to city officials
to create bicycle lanes on Toronto roads. How many more tragic deaths will
it take? Clearly, safe spaces for cyclists are needed more than ever."

The bike union has an active advocacy group in Ward 18 where the collision
occurred. It is working to develop specific recommendations on improving
the area for cyclists to present to the local Councillor. The Toronto
Cyclists Union maintains that cycling should be realised as a safe and
enjoyable transportation option available to people of all ages. As an
organisation dedicated to cycling, the bike union continues to work towards
realising this goal.

Additionally, the bike union is calling for mandatory side guards on trucks
to help prevent such unspeakable tragedies, as per a recommendation of the
1998 Toronto Coroner?s Inquiry into cycling fatalities. "If the Coroner?s
recommendation from 13 years ago to mandate side guards on trucks would
have been implemented, Ms. Morrison might still be alive today," Garcia
said. "The cost of installing sideguards is negligible compared to saving
cyclists? lives."

The bike union is calling on its members and supporters to take part in a
memorial ride sponsored by Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists (ARC) on
Monday, November 14th. The ride will begin at the corner of Bloor Street
and Spadina at 7:30 a.m., and at Dundas Street West and Sterling at 8:00
a.m. It?s an opportunity to show support for Jenna Morrison?s family and
community, and to raise awareness about the need for safer streets.