CALL 24/7Windsor has seen two separate cyclist collisions in recent weeks; one involving a young child, and the other an 89-year-old man. The circumstances in each of these bicycle vs. motor vehicle crashes differ, but both incidents serve as a reminder of how vulnerable cyclists are on our streets.
Summer always brings people of all ages outside and riding their bikes. More cyclists on the road means a greater risk of collisions, particularly at intersections, on streets where drivers may not be expecting them, and in low or bright light situations.
These two crashes didn’t happen on the same day or even in the same part of the city. But they happened within days of each other, and both victims represent vulnerable populations that deserve protection and demand more focus and attention from drivers.
12-Year-Old Cyclist Injured on Clinton Street
A little over a week ago, a 12-year-old cyclist was struck by a vehicle on Clinton Street in Windsor. The child was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries.
Police closed Clinton Street between Bruce Avenue and Church Street for several hours after the crash to investigate the scene. The driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene and was not charged.
89-Year-Old Cyclist Critically Injured at Northwood Street and McKay Avenue
On June 20, just a few days later, an 89-year-old man was struck by a motor vehicle at the intersection of Northwood Street and McKay Avenue in south Windsor.
Police say the man was riding an electric bicycle through the intersection just after noon on that Friday when a vehicle struck him. He sustained life-threatening injuries in the crash and was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Windsor Police Service Traffic Reconstruction Unit attended and conducted a thorough investigation, closing the intersection for approximately six hours while officers collected evidence. The investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been laid against the driver — who remained at the scene following the crash.
Anyone who has dashcam or surveillance footage — or who witnessed the incident — is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service Traffic Enforcement Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 7032. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or online at catchcrooks.com.
Two Vulnerable Populations Who Deserve Extra Protection on the Road
This 12-year-old and an 89-year-old share something important: they are among the most vulnerable people on Windsor’s roads.
Children on Bikes
Children are unpredictable cyclists. They may not fully understand traffic rules. They may misjudge gaps in traffic, or act impulsively in ways that drivers don’t anticipate. They are also smaller, which makes them harder to see, especially at intersections or when emerging from between parked cars. Drivers travelling through residential areas or near schools, parks, and recreational routes need to be especially vigilant to watch for them.
Older Adults and Electric Bicycles
Older cyclists face a different set of challenges. Reaction times slow with age. Electric bicycles, which are increasingly popular among older adults for their ease of use, can travel at speeds that other road users may not expect. At intersections, which is where the majority of serious cyclist collisions occur, the combination of speed, visibility, and reaction time becomes critical for everyone involved.
What Every Driver Needs to Remember
Cyclists have the legal right to use Ontario’s roads. That right comes with a corresponding legal duty on drivers to watch for them, give them adequate space, and exercise care. Drivers need to be particularly cautious and attentive at intersections, in residential neighbourhoods, and anywhere visibility is reduced. One “second” of inattention or distraction behind the wheel can change a cyclist’s life permanently.
What Cyclists Can Do to Protect Themselves
Visibility matters. Bright clothing, front and rear lights, and helmets are basic protective measures that can make a meaningful difference to road safety, especially for younger and older riders. Defensive riding and assuming drivers may not see you is a habit worth developing at any age.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyclist Accident Claims in Ontario
Can a cyclist pursue compensation if no charges were laid against the driver?
Yes. Criminal or provincial charges and civil injury claims are separate processes. The absence of charges doesn’t mean the driver was without fault. It means police did not have sufficient evidence to support a charge at that time. A civil claim is assessed on its own standard of proof, and an investigation by a personal injury lawyer may uncover evidence that supports a claim even where no charges were laid.
Can the family of a critically injured cyclist pursue a claim on their behalf?
Yes. When a cyclist is critically injured and unable to manage their own affairs, family members may be able to act on their behalf legally. In cases of catastrophic injury, the compensation sought may include long-term care costs, lost income, and other damages reflecting the permanent impact of the injuries. A lawyer can advise on the appropriate steps based on the specific circumstances.
Does it matter that one of the cyclists was riding an electric bicycle?
No. Electric bicycles are legal on Ontario roads, and their riders have the same rights and protections as conventional cyclists. The fact that someone was riding an e-bike rather than a conventional bicycle does not reduce their right to pursue compensation after a collision caused by a driver’s negligence.
What if the cyclist was partially at fault for the collision?
Ontario’s contributory negligence framework means fault can be shared between parties. A cyclist who bore some responsibility for a collision may still recover compensation. Any settlement or jury-awarded verdict will be reduced according to their share of fault. Partial fault does not eliminate the right to pursue a claim.
How long does a cyclist have to file a claim in Ontario?
Ontario law generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the collision. In cases involving serious or critical injuries, it is important to consult a lawyer as early as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly, and some procedural steps have shorter deadlines than the standard limitation period.
If You or Someone You Love Was Injured in a Cycling Collision in Windsor
Cyclist collisions can happen in an instant and leave consequences that last a lifetime. Whether the injured person is a child, a senior, or anyone in between, they deserve legal representation that understands the full impact of what they’ve been through.
Greg Monforton & Partners has represented seriously injured cyclists and their families in Windsor-Essex for over 45 years. When we represent you, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers investigate thoroughly, identify every available avenue for compensation, and fight for the outcome our clients deserve.
Free consultations. No upfront fees. You only pay if we recover compensation for you.
