Loranger verdict still leaves cyclists at risk

For immediate release: October 2, 1996

Yesterday's judgement that Constable Serge Loranger was guilty of discreditable conduct when he hit and killed a cyclist won't protect other cyclists from similar incidents, according to Citizens for Safe Cycling (CfSC).

"We are glad to see that Constable Loranger is being held responsible for the death he caused through driving a motor vehicle after drinking," said CfSC President Brett Delmage. "But the poor police procedure that allowed his acquittal on his first charge, and the general police attitude that makes it difficult to have a motorist convicted for hitting a cyclist, must change."

Delmage pointed to one case where a cyclist, equipped with bright lights and reflectors, was hit by a car on Moodie Road at night. Nepean Police refused to lay charges, despite the fact the cyclist was hit from behind. In another case, a motorist hit and killed a cyclist on the shoulder of the Airport Parkway, and seriously injured another; the motorist was charged, but he retained his license and only had to pay a $500 fine.

Cyclists also have a responsibility, Delmage said, to reduce the risk of collisions at night by using proper lighting and retroreflective equipment. "Studies have clearly shown," he said, "that this substantially increases cyclists' visibility and thus avoids collisions. It may not protect cyclists from drunk or reckless drivers, but it will ensure responsible drivers can see them."

This is particularly important in unlit areas like the section of Robertson Road where Shayne Norris was killed, he said.

CfSC ran a campaign in June to encourage cyclists to use lights at night. "We were shocked at the number of cyclists who weren't lit — and how difficult it was to see them on the road just to hand them brochures."

Delmage said CfSC was disappointed that the Ottawa-Carleton police did not participate in the lights campaign in June, and suggested that a follow-up police campaign this month to enforce the Highway Traffic Act provision requiring lights on bicycles would save lives and reduce injuries.

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For more information: Citizens for Safe Cycling, 722-4454

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