Accused in cyclist collision gets bail

The man charged after five cyclists were struck on a suburban road in Ottawa's west end was released on bail after he appeared in court Thursday morning.

The five cyclists were riding along March Road in Kanata, near Solandt Road, when they were struck shortly before 8 a.m. on Sunday. The three men and two women who were injured range in age from 27 to 45.

Sommit Luangpakham, 45, has been charged with five counts of failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

Luangpakham's bail was set at $55,000 and includes the conditions that he can't drink, drive or have contact with the victims.

Ottawa cyclists have bad week

Ottawa paramedics are calling this week one of the worst ever for cyclists in the region.

"This is something we haven't seen in many years," said J.P. Trottier, who speaks for the Ottawa Paramedic Service.

Seven cyclists have been involved in collisions with vehicles this week.

A cyclist was struck on Ogilvie Road in Gloucester on Tuesday evening and was listed in critical condition and another cyclist was struck in Gatineau on Wednesday morning.

"In my 26 years as a paramedic in this city, it's not something that I've seen — ever," said Trottier.

Typically, he said, this is the worst time of year for bicycle collisions, with about three happening each week in the city.

The recent collisions and the seriousness of the injuries has Ottawa's large cycling community worried.

Charles Akben-Marchand, who is a past president of the group Citizens for Safe Cycling, said both drivers and cyclists should be more wary when on the roads.

"There are some drivers out there who are either aggressive or inattentive and that's something we as a society should pay more attention to," he said.

City officials have asked police to begin cracking down on both cyclists and motorists.

Police have said they are planning a cycling safety blitz for next month.