Toronto plans to modify its heavy-duty vehicles with side guards to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety. These devices, mounted between truck axles, prevent people from being pulled under wheels during collisions.
Mayor Olivia Chow, highlighted the life-saving potential, saying, “It means saving lives. It means less tragedy.” City staff estimate the guards could reduce cyclist fatalities by 62% and pedestrian deaths by 20%.
The proposed $5.7 million project would modify 500 city vehicles, with 219 completed by late 2025 and the rest by 2026. Chow, who has long championed the initiative, plans to urge Ontario’s transportation minister to mandate side guards for provincial vehicles.
A report recommending these changes and exploring requirements for city contractors will go before Toronto’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee on Nov. 27.
Original article written by: Joshua Freeman
available at: https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-moving-to-install-side-guards-on-its-heavy-trucks-to-reduce-pedestrian-and-cyclist-deaths-1.7117179
