Date: Monday, November 8th, 2021

File: 21-44861

Victoria, BC – Officers are reminding all road users – drivers, cyclists and pedestrians – about the importance of visibility after a collision between a cyclist and a vehicle during the first night of Standard Time.

Patrol officers responded to the intersection of Bay and Blanshard streets just after 11 p.m. last night for a report of a collision involving a cyclist and a vehicle. When officers arrived they discovered the cyclist being attended to by several bystanders and the vehicle occupants.

In speaking to witnesses, officers learned that the cyclist had not stopped for the red light and had struck the side of the vehicle. Officers noted that the cyclist was not wearing a helmet and had no lights on his bicycle. The cyclist suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and then transported to hospital by B.C. Emergency Health Services paramedics. The cyclist received tickets for failing to display lights on his bicycle, failing to wear a helmet and failing to stop at the red light.

VicPD officers often respond to an increase in collisions during the transition between Daylight Savings and Standard Time. As the days grow shorter and darker, this is a good reminder to all road users to both be seen and use extra care and attention to make sure you can see other road users.

For drivers, taking extra care means ensuring you aren’t just relying on your daytime running lights, but that your headlights and tail lights are fully illuminated. It also means taking the time to scan your surroundings for cyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles. Make sure you make eye contact with pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers.

For cyclists, taking extra care means using both front and back lights and wearing a helmet. Scan your surroundings for pedestrians, vehicles and other cyclists. Make sure that you make eye contact with pedestrians, drivers and other cyclists.

For pedestrians, which includes runners and walkers, wear lighter clothing, a reflector and consider carrying a light. Scan your surroundings for other pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists who may not have seen you. Make sure that you make eye contact with cyclists, drivers and other pedestrians.

With inclement weather and shorter days we all have a responsibility to ensure that our roads are as safe as they can be for all road users.

 

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