New cycling bill introduced…

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One of our LOST Swimmers wanted me to post this, as many of you might be interested to know about this cycling-friendly bill being introduced into the Ontario Provincial legislature.  It seems a bit weak to me, but at least it is a very important step in the right direction…

 

On Tuesday, MPP Cheri DiNovo introduced a private member’s bill that would amend the Highway Traffic Act in connection with bicycle safety. 

* New section 147.1 of the Act is added to provide that cyclists travelling at less that the normal speed of traffic must, subject to specified exceptions, proceed in the right-hand lane or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. 

* New section 147.2 of the Act provides that every driver or operator of a vehicle meeting or overtaking a person on a bicycle must maintain a safe travelling distance. The safe travelling distances is three to five feet, depending on the vehicle’s speed. In the case of a collision, the driver or operator of a vehicle is presumed to have not left a safe travelling distance between the vehicle and the bicycle. 

* It is an offense not to leave the required safe travelling distance when passing or overtaking a bicycle. A person convicted of the offense is liable to a fine of not less than $310 and not more than $750, and is required to attend a remedial program. A driver or operator of a vehicle is liable to an additional fine of,(a) $1,500 if the contravention results in serious bodily harm to a cyclist; or(b) $5,000 if the contravention results in the cyclist’s death. 

A copy of the Bill is available at: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet=&BillID=2364 

Information on how to contact MPPs, Ministers and MPP DiNovo may be found at:  http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_current.do?locale=en