Use crosswalks, pay attention to traffic, police warn
Sudbury police say people who are being struck down by traffic aren't using crosswalks
Sudbury police say more and more people are putting their lives at risk by trying to dodge traffic — and as construction in the city ramps up, so does the risk to pedestrians.
In 2011 and 2012, more than 155 people were struck down by vehicles in the city. Three of those pedestrians were killed.
Currently heavy traffic along Lasalle Boulevard and Notre Dame Avenue is being funneled through a maze of large orange and black striped barrels as construction crews work on the road.
Cyclist dies after crash with car
One man is dead following a Monday night collision between a cyclist and motorist in North Bay.
North Bay Police report that, at the time of the incident, it was raining heavily, the cyclist was wearing dark clothing, and there were no street lights on the roadway, known as Pinewood Park Drive.
"There [were] no reflectors on the bike, so, in heavy rain, and being dark, he would be very difficult to see," spokesperson Ted Whittle said.
"So we would like to stress with the public that they should be wearing bright colour[ed] clothing."
Whittle said the man didn't have identification on him, but police have been able to confirm his identity. The name of the deceased will not be released until next of kin are notified.
A 29-year-old woman was driving the vehicle, Whittle said, adding the investigation is ongoing and, at this point, no charges are pending.
In the process, at least one sidewalk is always blocked off to pedestrians.
The health and safety co-ordinator with Terranorth Construction, the company redesigning that intersection, said they have set up alternate routes to guide pedestrians to the crosswalk.
"We do get [complaints from] the irate public and we understand … they're being inconvenienced," Dean St. Pierre said.
The company has set up alternate routes to guide pedestrians to the crosswalk.
But the risk isn't limited to construction zones.
Sudbury Staff Sergeant Dan Despatie said people who are being struck down by traffic aren't using crosswalks.
"Members of the public are sometimes just choosing to just run across the highway to get to the other side," he said.
"These collisions are occurring when someone that is walking is just stepping out on to the travel portion of the roadway in areas where they shouldn't be."
In the first three months of this year, 14 people were hit by vehicles in Sudbury.
Just two weeks ago a Sudbury man was hit by a car as he attempted to run for the bus.