Calls grow for bike safety measures after Saskatoon cyclist killed

Advocates are calling for improved bike safety measures after a Saskatoon cyclist was killed.

"When it happened, it really shook us because we could picture ourselves in those intersections — our kids, our family, other cyclists that you see on the road. So it was heartbreaking to hear this, and wakes us up to the fact that we have to take action in this city," said Nancy Broten, owner of Life Outside.

Last Wednesday, Natasha Fox, 33, was killed after being struck by a cement truck on College Drive. The mother of two was a teacher with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and an accomplished athlete.

Broten said Saskatoon needs more protected bike lanes, signage and other infrastructure.

"A lot more can be done with a fundamental shift in our thinking about how we could bike in this city," she said.

Fellow cyclist Cynthia Hernandez said she has lived in Saskatoon since 2008 and the infrastructure for cyclists has not improved.

"Fifteen years later, the city's still pretty much the same for biking safety," she said.

Hernandez said everyone has a right to cycle safely — to work, to school, for exercise, or just for fun. She said this tragedy has shown everyone the urgency of the situation.

"I think just by what has been going on in the last few days, it feels like there is an interest from the community, from the government, to move some of those initiative that probably have been looked at but have been sitting on the side of someone's desk," she said.

Terry Schmidt, the general manager of transportation and construction for the City of Saskatoon, said in an emailed statement that the city would not be commenting on the specifics of the collision, given there is a police investigation.

He added that the area of College Drive between Clarence Avenue and Preston Avenue is identified as a future bus rapid transit route, and the proposed conceptual design "includes intersection improvements for connecting roadways and a multi-use pathway on the north side of College Drive for cyclists and pedestrians."

On the weekend, Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark tweeted that he's heard concerns about the safety of the intersection where Fox died and that he will work to make improvements.

A rally is planned Wednesday afternoon. Participants are planning to cycle from the University of Saskatchewan to the intersection at Wiggins Avenue and College Drive.

LISTEN | As the Saskatoon cycling community grieves the death of a cyclist, what can be done to make commuters safer on city streets? 

Saskatoon Morning12:07Saskatoon cycling community grieves death of a cyclist, what can be done to make commuters safer on city streets

The death of a 33 year old cyclist in our city has shaken many people in this community. Candice Lipski talks with three cyclists: Nancy Broten, Tyler Rittinger and Cynthia Hernandez to get their thoughts on the tragedy and what can be done to make cycling safer in the city.