The Toronto Sun: Fewer pedestrians, cyclists hurt in 2010
BY IAN ROBERTSON ,TORONTO SUN
FIRST POSTED: TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011 6:56:17 EDT PM
TORONTO – Fewer pedestrians and cyclists were injured between 2009 and last year, but more motorists were hurt, according to a Toronto Police Services Board report.
And despite 2,132 pedestrians being hurt in 2010 — compared to 2,161 the previous year and 2,059 in 2008 — a survey found an 8% increase in the number of people who feel safe crossing streets.
One of the biggest increases was 8,479 cases of injured drivers last year, compared to 7,440 reported in 2009, which in turn were 440 fewer than in 2008.
The report, to be presented at the board’s Thursday meeting, cited ongoing attempts to reduce injuries among drivers, pedestrians and cyclists require a continuing focus on education and communication — particularly on people who use public transit, “seniors crossing mid-block and children playing near roadways.”
Police reports are tallied to identify common causes for bicycle collisions, to provide strategies to warn potential victims and guide officers on how best to battle bicycle bullies — including the ongoing problem of stubborn cyclists who continue to disobey bylaws ban sidewalk pedalling.
To reduce driver problems, the report said officers will continue to ticket cars parked on rush-hour closed routes, and stake out streets for more RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) stops.
The report says each police division studies collisions involving motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in order to target problem areas.
