Cycling group pushes for road safety education following fatality

Police investigate the collision between a cyclist and vehicle on Aug. 29 near Main and York in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg police continue to investigate a crash that claimed the life of a 68-year-old cyclist.

Emergency crews were called to the area of Main Street and York Avenue on Wednesday for the collision. A male cyclist was rushed to hospital in critical condition, but later died from injuries.

The fatality is the second one of its kind in three months.

In May, cyclist Violet Nelson died in a crash on Higgins Avenue. Investigators said she was riding alongside a car when the two collided and the impact sent her into the path of a semi-trailer.

Biking advocates said Wednesday’s collision at Main and York is a reminder for both cyclists and motorists.

“We all hope it’s going to be the last, but it’s probably not going to be the last,” said Curt Hull from the group Bike to the Future.

He said it’s time for both cyclists and motorists to educate themselves on road safety.

“We have improvements in infrastructure, but until we have improvements in education that teaches motorists and cyclist how to behave towards each other, things aren’t going to improve very much,” said Hull.

He said Winnipeg’s new active transportation strategy is making it easier for cyclists but the city still has a long way to go.

Since 2007, the group has seen a 64 per cent increase in the number of bike commuters, rising to around 12,000 per day.

Manitoba Public Insurance is also working with cycling groups to make the road safer for cyclists. It offers safety courses to teach riders hand signals and the rules of the road.

MPI said drivers also need to be aware.

“Motorists need to share the road with cyclists. They are entitled to be on the road. They need their space and motorists need to make room for them,” said Brian Smiley from MPI.

Winnipeg police are asking anyone with information on Wednesday’s collision at Main and York to call investigators at 204-986-6271.