* 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