David Hammon knows all too well the dangers of cycling on the road as he has had several close calls with motor vehicles.
Hammon is a 35-year member of the Newmarket Eagles Cycling Club, which has more than 200 members who ride together throughout York Region.
“I have probably been brushed a handful of times over the years,” said Hammon. “It’s a little scary.”
He said most drivers don’t want to hurt cyclists internationally but are looking for a reaction as they look back in their mirror. He, however, seen a number of people driving while distracted.
“What scares me is when somebody gets close to me, and I look at them, and they’re oblivious,’ said Hammon. “They don’t even know I was ever there.”
York Regional Police has launched a community safety program with the Canadian Automobile Association to ensure drivers keep a minimum one-metre distance between cyclists.
“Way too often, there is a blatant disregard for the safety of cyclists on the road,” said Insp. Kelly Chester. “Since 2019, 745 cyclists have been injured in collisions with motor vehicles in our region. For cyclists, the impact of a collision is significant and often life-altering.”
Hammon said his group typically starts riding in Newmarket and tries to make their way out of town as soon as possible. In recent years, an E-bike driver was killed in a crash in Aurora and a 14-year-old boy was killed while riding his bike in a collision with an SUV in East Gwillimbury.
Hammon added cyclists have responsibilities for safety, too.
“I suggest to (cyclists) to (ride) out 18 inches (from the curb) but ride in a straight line so you’re not weaving around obstacles,” said Hammon. “People should never have earbuds in when riding a bicycle. I listen for cars coming up behind me, so I know whether I need to initiate a shoulder check to see where they are.”
Police state that thousands of recreational and commuting cyclists take to the roads in York Region to use more than 4,000 kilometres of paved roads and more than 1,000 kilometres of cycling routes in the summer.
“In fact, since 2019, there have been six cyclist fatalities in York Region,” said Chester. “As much as we hope this campaign will educate people about the laws of the road, it’s not just about that. We hope to build mutual respect between motorists and cyclists because ultimately, mutual respect will save lives.”
Hammon said cyclists should make eye contact with motor vehicles when they are crossing in an intersection, learn to look over their shoulder without weaving, and give some room for parked cars.
“We always suggest people run a tail light on their bicycle during the day,” said Hammon. “I find that helps.”
The goal of the campaign is to change attitudes of both drivers and cyclists and improve the relationship between these groups. Police state that increasing knowledge and understanding of the laws will lead to safe streets and safe people.
“Ask any cyclist, avid or otherwise, and they will tell you these incidents are all too common. Many of those close encounters put people’s lives at risk,” said Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey.
