Minister Garneau establishes task force to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians on Canada's roadways

Task force to examine new technologies, education and awareness

OTTAWA, Sept. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada understands that cyclists and pedestrians expect their roads to be safe. They rely on them to commute to work, to explore their communities, and to get their families home safely.

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced that Transport Canada and the provinces and territories will establish a new task force to discuss safety measures to reduce injuries and fatalities involving cyclists, pedestrians and heavy trucks.

The task force, established through the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, will explore cameras, sensor systems, side guards, as well as educational safety and awareness programs.

To complement the work of the task force, Transport Canada will undertake a new study to examine the benefits of modern technologies to reduce collisions between vulnerable road users (cyclists and pedestrians) and heavy trucks.

Quote

"I'm pleased to work with my provincial, territorial and municipal colleagues to explore options to reduce collisions and improve safety for everyone on Canada's roadways. Whether it's through technology, equipment, or an educational approach, we need to find out what works best in order to improve safety for Canadians."

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• In 2014, 288 pedestrians and 35 bicyclists were fatally injured in motor vehicle collisions in Canada. Of these collisions, heavy trucks were involved in 35 pedestrian fatalities and seven cyclist fatalities.
• There are over one million medium and heavy trucks registered nationally as of 2014 (latest data available). 

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SOURCE Transport Canada

Delphine Denis, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700 ; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected]