Another case of car versus cyclist highlights the need for drivers to pay better attention to dedicated bike lanes.
In Kelowna, a driver has been found 100 percent at fault for hitting a cyclist at an intersection while trying to make a right turn.
The plaintiff cyclist was cycling northbound in a dedicated bike lane approaching an intersection on a green light.
At the intersection, the designated bike lane was to the right of a designated right-hand turn lane.
The cyclist entered the intersection, intending to travel straight through, when the defendant driver, travelling northbound in the designated right-hand turn lane, turned right at the intersection across the cyclist’s path. The motorist struck the cyclist’s left shoulder, causing her to fall.
ICBC argued the driver should not be found at fault for various reasons, including that the cyclist should have left the designated bike lane and moved into the lane intended for vehicles travelling straight through the intersection. The court rejected this argument and found the motorist 100 percent at fault.
In making his decision, the judge examined the law and clarified the duties of cyclists and motorists with respect to the use of designated bike lanes. In the absence of signs indicating that cyclists should do otherwise, cyclists are intended to remain within the designated bike lane, regardless of whether they intend to turn right or continue through an intersection.
In this case, the motorist should have allowed the cyclist to cross the intersection before commencing the right turn.
Many businesses have been forced to close, limit their hours, or reduce their capacity. Despite a vaccine, the economic impact will likely continue, particularly in the face of new strains of the virus.
On January 28, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court addressed “inadequacies in current legal responses to internet defamation and harassment” by creating a new tort of internet harassment and cyber bullying.
While the global pandemic has been incredibly disruptive, the Court is embracing these changes and the legal community is using the tools available to move matters through the court system despite challenges.
Interesting reasons for judgment were recently released in the case. In this wills and estates case, a brother and sister entered into a contentious dispute surrounding the estate of their mother.