OPP concerned over rising cyclist, vehicle collisions in Wellington County

Provincial police are urging caution after two fatal collisions between cyclists and vehicles in Wellington County this week.

The first incident took place Dec. 7 in Guelph-Eramosa Township on Wellington Road 86 at around 6:15 p.m. The cyclist, a 49-year-old man from Ariss, collided with a vehicle on the township road and was pronounced dead at the scene. Then on Dec. 9, a collision involving a cyclist on Highway 9 near Anna’s Lane left a 39-year-old man dead. It happened around 5:30 p.m., police said.

Officers said that with snowy conditions, they are “strongly” advising cyclists not to use roadways, noting that icy surfaces, low visibility and unpredictable traffic patterns are “significantly” increasing the risk of serious collisions.

“If you do have to head out onto the roadways this winter, stay visible by wearing reflective clothing and outfit your bike with studded winter tires, so you can better take on the snow, slush and ice,” the press release notes.

It is the law to equip bicycles with lights and reflectors when riding at night or in low-light situations. They should be placed in front of the bike and a red light at the back. Reflective tape on the forks of the bike, a bell or horn and helmets are required for people under the age of 18.

“Bicycles are vehicles under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This means that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as motorists,” the release reads.