Toronto Cyclists Union Statement on Death of Jenna Morrison

Statement on Tragic Death of Toronto Cyclist, Jenna Morrison

Toronto Cyclists Union expresses condolences to Jenna Morrison’s bereaved family

The Toronto Cyclists Union (bike union) is saddened and dismayed by last Monday’s tragic, unnecessary death of cyclist Jenna Morrison.

Ms. Morrison, a mother of a five-year old, was struck by a truck and run over on Sterling Road as she was riding her bicycle to her son’s school. The truck continued through the intersection and Ms. Morrison was caught beneath the back wheels of the truck, causing her fatal injuries. "We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Jenna Morrison’s family," said Andrea Garcia, Director of Advocacy for the bike union. "This tragic and needless death was preventable. We reiterate our call to city officials to create bicycle lanes on Toronto roads. How many more tragic deaths will it take? Clearly, safe spaces for cyclists are needed more than ever."

The bike union has an active advocacy group in Ward 18 where the collision occurred. It is working to develop specific recommendations on improving the area for cyclists to present to the local Councillor. The Toronto Cyclists Union maintains that cycling should be realised as a safe and enjoyable transportation option available to people of all ages. As an organisation dedicated to cycling, the bike union continues to work towards realising this goal.

Additionally, the bike union is calling for mandatory side guards on trucks to help prevent such unspeakable tragedies, as per a recommendation of the 1998 Toronto Coroner’s Inquiry into cycling fatalities. "If the Coroner’s recommendation from 13 years ago to mandate side guards on trucks would have been implemented, Ms. Morrison might still be alive today," Garcia said. "The cost of installing sideguards is negligible compared to saving cyclists’ lives."

The bike union is calling on its members and supporters to take part in a memorial ride sponsored by Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists (ARC) on Monday, November 14th. The ride will begin at the corner of Bloor Street and Spadina at 7:30 a.m., and at Dundas Street West and Sterling at 8:00 a.m. It’s an opportunity to show support for Jenna Morrison’s family and community, and to raise awareness about the need for safer streets.

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Electrify Pearson Rail Link, says Frank de Jong, City Councillor Candidate

Toronto, Ontario – (Sept. 24, 2010) - "The proposed rail link from downtown to Pearson should be electric or not built at all," said Frank de Jong, Ward 18 Toronto Councillor candidate.

Before the rail link is built the following core changes must be made:

1. To reduce noise, vibration and air pollution the rail link must be electric, not diesel. Nor is "Clean diesel" an acceptable solution. The increased upfront cost is balanced by lower life cycle costs, and the reduced pollution will save health care dollars and lives.

2. The rail link need not be financed by federal, provincial or city taxes, but rather should be paid for by collecting the rise in land values it generates along the route, especially around stations (Land Value Taxation).

3. The trains should make frequent stops and be fully connected to local public transit routes in Toronto, Malton and Georgetown with no extra fees above the local transit fare.

"World class cities don't treat their citizens this way," added de Jong. "Ward 18 - Davenport citizens live adjacent to the proposed Union Station-to-Pearson route. We won't accept diesel engines when the electric option is superior."

De Jong will be attending the "GO ELECTRIC MUSIC FESTIVAL" at Sorauren Park on Sunday September 26, 2010 and available for interviews. Visit http://www.cleantrain.ca/

For more information please contact:
Contact: Justin Trottier, Media Relations
Frank de Jong Campaign – Ward 18 Davenport
416-402-8856, justin.trottier@gmail.com
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