A teenage cyclist has died after a collision at Bloor Street West and Avenue Road on Wednesday — just two days after a Twitter user had posted a warning for cyclists in the area.
On August 18, Toronto Police responded to a call regarding a cyclist being struck by a dump truck near Bloor Street at around 6:10 p.m. According to police, the 18-year-old cyclist was heading northbound on Avenue Road's curb lane when a dump truck, manned by a 50-year-old driver, struck the teenager. The cyclist succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
On Monday, August 16, Twitter user David Edwards had shared videos and photos of a nearby section of Bloor Street near Avenue Road, demonstrating how dangerous it can be for cyclists.
"Work zone has drivers merging to the right, directly into a painted bike lane. Near miss after near miss," Edwards wrote. "Construction needs to happen - disregard for safety doesn't have to come with it. This kind of thing needs to stop in this city @311Toronto."
In the same thread, Edwards shared a video showing how cramped the road can be with the construction happening in the area. "This is a collision waiting to happen," he wrote.
Following the accident, Edwards clarified on Twitter that the collision involving the cyclist did not happen at the exact same spot and that it occurred nearby, on Avenue Road, just past Bloor.
"My heart goes out to the victim and their loved ones. Another incredibly sad tragedy," tweeted Edwards.
Mourners have taped sunflowers on a post near the site of the accident to pay their respects to the cyclist. The Church of the Redeemer, located right in that area, also reportedly rang out 18 bells instead of its usual 12 in memory of the 18-year-old cyclist.
Toronto Police are asking the public to come forward with any footage of the accident to aid the investigation. If you witnessed the event or have any relevant information, contact the police at 416-808-1900.