Residents call for safety changes on Laurier Avenue after Ottawa's latest cycling fatality
The death of a young woman who was hit by a truck as she cycled in downtown Ottawa on Thursday morning has sparked heated reaction on social media and calls for change.
Immediately, there were expressions of shock and some anger on Twitter.
Sad way to start the day. Cyclist dead after being struck, pinned under construction truck wheel at Lyon and Laurier https://t.co/HsKr4RUERu
—@David199058
*Exactly* where I was right-hooked by a truck on Monday. Be extra careful, #ottbike! Too many collisions this week!https://t.co/8nHXYFRg0k
—@jennifersalahub
My thoughts are with the loved ones of the cyclist killed this morning, and with all of #ottbike who mourn. It could be any of us.
—@elttesitram
Can't believe the devastating news today, a headline that could easily describe me. So sorry for her family and #Ottbike community.
—@CVietinghoff
CouncillorsJeff Leiper and Catherine McKenneycalled for a rally at City Hall at noon.
This AM's cyclist death unacceptable. @cmckenney and I ask you to Marion Dewar Plaza (City Hall), noon today, to express our anger. #ottbike
—@JLeiper
Let's demand change Join me and @JLeiper Noon at Marion Dewar Plaza (City Hall) #VisionZero #ottbike #ottwalk
—@cmckenney
And residents asked the mayor to get involved.
@JamesValcke city investing a record amount to make cycling safer; O'Connor lane in progress; more coming to fedco next week due to fed $
—@JimWatsonOttawa
Two hours later, Watson tweeted his sympathies and said he would meetwith citycouncillors.
I will be meeting with Transportation Chair @KeithEgli and Vice Chair @cmckenney today in light of the tragic loss of a cyclists' life...
—@JimWatsonOttawa
My Sympathies to family and friends of the deceased. I will continue to work with the community to continue our quest to make our streets ..
—@JimWatsonOttawa
the safest in Canada. Our meeting will help start a dialogue with all users of our roads in an effort to prevent these tragedies .
—@JimWatsonOttawa
Here are some of the changes people are calling for.
We need mandatory truck sideguard legislation. Now. Not one more cycling or pedestrian death. #ottbike #ottcity @cathmckenna @cmckenney
—@ArielTroster
What the protected bike lane needs is the protected intersection. WATCH: https://t.co/zVRizjlR1P #ottbike #bikeTO pic.twitter.com/abGp5Kk4nC
—@martynschmoll
The #Laurier #bikelane is not safe. Signs warning drivers to watch for cyclists may as well be invisible #ottbike pic.twitter.com/KyDcnGwkzA
—@Aaron_Dolan
@JLeiper @cmckenney Instead of discussing Hooka pipes, the city should put in right turn signals on laurier or cars and bike specific signal
—@Karmap1g
@auxonic I think it needs a policy change, no rights on red. Cyclists in lane get green light 2move when rest of traffic movng straight only
—@CHeartsTrees