Drivers are advised to keep one metre of distance when passing cyclists as York Regional Police officers ramp up enforcement on the roads.
Police will thank drivers for giving space to cyclists and issue warnings or tickets to drivers who do not keep enough distance.
"We are going to be conducting emphasized enforcement on cyclists and motorists with the help of drones to acknowledge both poor and correct actions on the road," said Const. Kevin Nebrija.
York Regional Police launched a one-metre cycling safety campaign in partnership with York Region and the Canadian Automobile Association as part of Ontario Bike Month. It kicked off with a 40-kilometre bike ride around the region with about 50 cyclists starting from police headquarters at 47 Don Hillock Dr. in Aurora June 1.
"A number of local cycling groups were in attendance, as well as dignitaries from municipalities," said Nebrija. "We had guests to kick things off and raise awareness around the campaign and why it is important."
York Region Transit buses will feature signs to remind drivers and cyclists to share the road.
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.
According to police-reported data, there have been six cyclist fatalities in York Region since 2019. There have been 754 incidents in which cyclists were injured in collisions with motor vehicles.
In 2023, there was a 52 per cent increase in collisions in which a cyclist was injured, at about 198, compared to 130 in 2022. Nebrija said that people have to ride in a ditch to avoid being hit by a vehicle.
This year, 47 cyclists have been injured in collisions with motorists, representing a 34 per cent year-to-date increase compared to 2023, when only 35 injuries were reported in May. Nebrija said sharing the road is not a choice or courtesy.
"It is the law to give one metre to cyclists when out on the road," said Nebrija. "With cycling increasing in popularity, cyclists are often put in peril by motorists who pass unlawfully. 'Roll coal' is something drivers are known to do and otherwise drive dangerously around cyclists."
Drivers who roll coal step hard on the gas pedal of their vehicle to emit thick smoke from the exhaust to irritate cyclists, he explained.
"It can affect their vision and breathing," said Nebrija. "It is a behaviour drivers exhibit from time to time against cyclists."
The campaign's goal is to change attitudes of both drivers and cyclists on the road and improve their relationship. Police state that increasing knowledge and understanding of the laws will lead to safe streets and safe people.
