
Halton is blessed with some beautiful and challenging cycling routes and areas to explore. With the warm weather finally upon us, there will be an increase of cyclists on the road enjoying our great communities and region. Sadly, in 2010 Halton Region experienced six serious injury collisions involving cyclists as well as one fatality.
Halton Regional Police Service has recognized the need for awareness and education in relation to everyone’s responsibility to Share the Road. As a result, the Service has partnered the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, founded by Eleanor McMahon. Eleanor lost her husband, OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, in 2006 after he was hit by a truck while cycling in Halton. Greg was killed by a 5 x repeat suspended driver who fled the scene. This tragedy has fueled her efforts in getting legislation passed to increase road safety and working with others towards education and partnerships.
On the 30th of May 2011, the Halton Regional Police, Share the Road Coalition, members of local cycling clubs and the public as well as council representation met for an information session on cycling safety in Halton. The meeting agenda included rules of the road, road watch reporting and the launch of the new initiative.
On the weekend of the 4th and 5th of June 2011, Halton Police will be patrolling major cycling routes in Halton. This first phase of the initiative will focus on enhancing both motorist and cyclist understanding of the rules of the road and the need to Share the Road. An informative pamphlet on cycling safety will be distributed and is available at www.haltonpolice.ca
Phase two will occur on the following weekend of the 11th and 12th of June 2011. This will be an educational and enforcement focused effort. As Deputy Chief Percy said, “Our collective goal is to ensure roads are safe for all users, and that a spirit of cooperation exists for joint road use based on the understanding that we all have an obligation to respect not only our own safety but the safety of others – In essence to SHARE THE ROAD.”