Bicycle / Pedestrian Safety

Walking or cycling through the streets of Toronto can feel like an excellent way to get around—it’s environmentally friendly, keeps you active, and lets you avoid the frustration of gridlocked traffic. Yet, as 2024 statistics from Toronto police reveal, the streets are far from safe. Already this year, 30 people have died in fatal collisions on Toronto’s roads, including 12 pedestrians and 6 cyclists. These pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities highlight the tragic reality: pedestrians and cyclists remain among the most vulnerable road users.

At DWA Law, we’ve seen the devastating impact that these pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and deaths have on victims and their families. Whether you’re a cyclist navigating the city streets or a pedestrian crossing a busy intersection, your safety is paramount—and when accidents happen, we’re here to help ensure your legal rights are protected.

A major issue is that drivers frequently fail to give cyclists and pedestrians the attention they deserve. Distracted driving—whether from texting, talking on the phone, or simply not paying attention—continues to be one of the leading causes of accidents involving vulnerable road users. A distracted driver may not see a cyclist in time to avoid a collision or may fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the street. In a split second, lives can change forever.

Another key contributor is speeding. Speeding not only increases the likelihood of an accident but also makes the impact far more severe when one occurs. 

Poor road conditions also contribute to the growing number of traffic crashes. Potholes, uneven pavement, and debris on the streets are hazards that can easily cause a cyclist to lose control, leading to a dangerous crash. Pedestrians, too, can trip or fall due to damaged sidewalks or poorly maintained crosswalks, leading to serious injuries.

One of the simplest, most effective safety practices is to always wear a helmet. While Ontario law requires cyclists under 18 to wear helmets, it’s wise for riders of all ages. A helmet can drastically reduce the risk of a head injury, which is one of the most common and life-threatening outcomes of a bicycle crash. 

Visibility is another key aspect of bicycle safety. Cyclists must make themselves as visible as possible to motorists, especially in the early mornings, late evenings, or during inclement weather. Wearing reflective gear and equipping your bike with front and rear lights can dramatically reduce your risk of being hit by a vehicle. 

Cyclists are required to follow the same rules as motor vehicles—this means stopping at red lights, respecting speed limits, yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks, and riding in the same direction as traffic. Unfortunately, too many accidents occur when cyclists fail to obey these laws or when drivers fail to notice cyclists, particularly at busy intersections. 

Staying aware and alert while walking is the first step to staying safe. This means putting away your phone, avoiding headphones when crossing streets, and being cautious when walking near high-traffic areas. Pedestrians should also always make eye contact with drivers before stepping into a crosswalk, even when the light is green. Never assume that a vehicle will stop—pedestrian crashes often occur when drivers fail to yield at intersections or when pedestrians step out between parked cars.

Another important aspect of pedestrian safety is visibility. Especially at night or in poor weather, wearing bright or reflective clothing can significantly reduce your risk of being struck by vehicle traffic. 

After a bicycle or pedestrian accident, your body might trick you into thinking you’re fine. The adrenaline rush can mask pain, making you feel more capable than you are. But here’s the reality—certain injuries, particularly internal ones like concussions or head trauma, can take hours or even days to show serious symptoms. Even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt, get checked by a medical professional right away.

There’s another reason to prioritize medical attention. Your medical records will play a key role if you choose to pursue a legal claim later. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may try to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident, or they weren’t as severe as you claim. Having those records in place immediately following the accident establishes a clear link between the incident and your injuries.

Once you’ve handled your medical needs, it’s time to think about evidence. If you can, or if someone can assist you, collect as much information as possible from the scene. Photos, videos—whatever you can gather. Capture everything: the damage to your bicycle, the vehicle involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding environment. Don’t forget the small details, like road conditions.

If anyone witnessed the accident, try to talk to them. Witness statements can be very important in certain situations, especially if the other party disputes their responsibility. Make sure to get their contact information in case you need their support down the road.

If the accident involved a motor vehicle, make sure to collect all the necessary information—driver’s insurance details, vehicle make and model, license plate number. And if you were cycling, make note of your bicycle safety equipment. Were you wearing a helmet? Did you have lights on your bike? Were you riding in a designated bike lane? All of these factors can help demonstrate that you were following proper safety practices.

Also, don’t forget to file a police report. Even if the accident seems minor, having that official record could make all the difference. It provides an unbiased account of the incident and is another layer of protection if the story changes later. Without it, proving your case could become much more difficult.

In the days and weeks following the accident, you’ll want to stay organized. Keep every medical record, every doctor’s note, every test result. These documents will help build a comprehensive picture of your injuries and the treatment required. It’s also smart to keep a journal—track your pain, your symptoms, and how the accident has impacted your day-to-day life. Did you have to miss work? Cancel important plans? Are you unable to do things you used to enjoy? These details are essential for showing the full impact of your injuries.

At DWA Law, our car accident lawyers have guided countless cyclists and pedestrians through the legal process, helping them secure the compensation they deserve.

Our team of personal injury lawyers understands the unique challenges you face after an accident, from navigating complicated insurance claims to pursuing personal injury cases. We know what to look for, how to gather the right evidence, and how to build a strong case for our clients.

Securing accident insurance benefits after a bicycle or pedestrian accident can be more difficult than it seems. Insurance companies often delay or outright deny claims, question the severity of injuries, or dispute liability. At DWA Law, we have years of experience with insurance claim issues. If the insurance company disputes your claim or offers a lowball settlement, we’re ready to step in and negotiate on your behalf. And if they refuse to budge? We’ll take them to court to get the benefits you’re entitled to.

Our goal is to make sure you’re taken care of. Whether it’s covering medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation, or the income you’ve lost due to your injuries, our personal injury lawyers are here to help you focus on what matters most—your recovery—while we handle the rest.