More protection for cyclists is on the minds of many in the Edmonton area after a truck hit a group of them east of the city on the weekend.
Five people were sent to hospital after a group of cyclists was struck by a pickup truck on the Sherwood Park Freeway on Saturday morning.
On the heels of the crash, NDP MLA Annie McKitrick is calling for new legislation to protect cyclists. She wants to make it mandatory for drivers to give cyclists at least one metre of space for passing distance.
“I felt that this was something that was needed in Alberta and a way to begin a conversation on how cyclists and motorists share the roads,” she said.
McKitrick, who represents Sherwood Park, plans to introduce a private member’s bill to make the change, which means she needs the support of her caucus to get it passed.
Alberta Transportation Minister Brian Mason said he is interested in discussing the matter.
“Obviously, pedestrian and cyclist safety is a very important concern,” Mason said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for those hurt in Saturday’s crash. Money raised will go towards medical expenses and physical therapy for the riders, the page said.
“Priority of funds will be given to the riders that are in the most critical condition, with the principal idea to give help,” it read.
As of Wednesday evening, just over $6,000 has been raised of the $250,000 goal.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
“There is no determination as to whether charges will be laid,” RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Laurel Scott said in an email to Global News on Wednesday.
Scott said investigators have not yet determined the cause of the collision.
— With files from Tom Vernon
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