If you commute to work by bike in Toronto year-round, it’s important to take proper precautions during different weather conditions. While visibility is important all the time, it’s especially crucial when biking in the winter because it’s likely that you’ll be out on the road before the sun rises and after the sun sets, making you less visible to vehicles. Add snow and ice to the mix and your chances of an accident increase.

The City of Toronto has a whole section of their website devoted to safe cycling in the city. They caution that not every winter day is a cycling day and state that some days it is better to leave your bicycle at home. Riding in the snow is a challenge even for very highly skilled cyclists.

• Use a steady white light in front–the brighter the better – Highway Traffic Act 62 (HTA 62). Use rechargeable batteries since you will need to use your lights almost everyday.
• Use a constant red light in the back–not a flashing light (HTA 62).
• A red rear reflector and front white reflector are a good back-up in case a light goes out.
• Generator lights stop working when the wheels stop so have a back up light.
• Bright colours and reflective gear are recommended for dark and wet weather conditions-both conditions reduce motorist vision.
• Consider adding reflective tape to your jacket. Reflective bands are also widely available for your pant legs and arms, as are reflective vests.
• Reflective tape is required under the HTA (62): white on the front forks and red on the back seat stays.
• Wear cycling glasses with high contrast lenses to increase night vision and carry an anti-fogging spray with you (prescription cycling glasses are also available).
• Stay on bright streets with good street lighting.

As you can see, the Highway Traffic Act requires you to follow some of the tips listed above. Not doing so could not only result in hefty fines, but also serious injury. If you are injured in a cycling accident, contact our cycling accident lawyer.

It is estimated that thousands of Canadians suffer traumatic brain injuries each year, the majority being young adults. Statistics indicate that the incidence of brain injury is two times greater in men.

Brain injury has become a significant medical and societal concern within the last 30 years. With advances in medical technology, many people who would have died are now surviving severe brain injuries. We’ve also learned that brain injuries should never be taken lightly.

We participate in activities every day that put us at risk of sustaining a brain injury, car accidents, slips and falls, bike accidents, boating accidents and so on. At times, the costs incurred by these injuries can be astronomical: financially, socially and emotionally.

Accidents happen, that is a fact of life. However, we need to take precautions to avoid brain injury. The majority of bicyclists who die each year die of brain injuries. Many of these deaths could have been prevented by helmets. In fact, there is a 52% reduction in bicycle-related deaths per year for children under 15 since the introduction of Ontario’s bike helmet law.

Although brain injuries cannot be seen, their effects can be extensive to the recipient and their family. We strive to improve the quality of life for those affected by a traumatic brain injury and to help promote brain injury prevention.

If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury, contact us for a free consultation.