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Police reported there were 1,544 collisions involving cyclists between 2008 and 2012 in Ottawa, causing 13 deaths and 1,238 injuries. That equates to around 300 collisions per year, but these are only reported collisions. Minor accidents that weren’t reported to police are not included in this number.

Alex deVries of Citizens for Safe Cycling said the most important way to ensure cyclists’ safety is to ensure all road users abide by the rules. He said he hopes police will be checking that drivers are being safe around cyclists, too, not just the other way around. That means leading a significant distance when passing bikes, yielding right of way when turning, being careful at stop signs and red lights and ensuring cyclists aren’t cut off.

“The truth is the number one danger to cyclists are motor vehicles,” said deVries. Infrastructure that separates cyclists from vehicles would vastly improve safety, he said, though the City of Ottawa has improved their public education on bike safety. “That makes a big difference,” he said.

The traffic enforcement program has two themes for July. The other is running red lights. Police report between 2007 and 2011 there were 4,042 collisions in Ottawa related to drivers failing to stop for red lights, causing eight deaths and 1,875 injuries.

The program is part of Safer Roads Ottawa, a partnership between Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Services, Ottawa Public Health and the Public Works Department. RCMP, OPP, Military Police and Gatineau police are also working with the initiative.

msmith@ottawacitizen.com

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