12,000 Cyclist Injured in Toronto: New Report Finds

Lack of Investment by City is Endangering Cyclists

WHAT: Release of new City statistics on cycling accidents & testimonial by cyclist who was in a major accident

WHO: Linda Chen, Injured Cyclist

Nina Koskenoja, Toronto Cycling Committee

Olivia Chow, Toronto City Councillor

& Dozens of cyclists and their bikes

WHEN: Sunday Jan. 27th 1 p.m.

WHERE: Toronto General Hospital EMERGENCY Entrance(Gerrard & Elizabeth St., west of University)

Shocking statistics collected for the Toronto Bike Plan show that 12,000 cyclists have been injured in accidents on Toronto's streets in the last ten years. 32 of them have died.

Cycling safety and education programs and a network of bike lanes, designed to help reduce these figures are proposed in the Toronto Cycling Committee's 'Toronto Bike Plan'. However, the funding for these programs is currently being cut from the City budget.

Without this program, neither Toronto's 939,000 cyclists nor Toronto motorists, will receive cycling safety information or the bike lanes approved by Council last year.

"Investment in safe cycling saves lives," says Nina Koskenoja. "Without financial commitment from the City, our streets will continue to grow more dangerous."