'You are continually worried about getting hit': London cyclists calling for change, organize safe ride to honour student killed in hit-and-run
A number of London cyclists are calling on the city to implement more safety measures on the roads after a 29-year-old student was killed while riding his bike earlier this month.
Jibin Benoy was killed on the morning of Sept. 18 while riding across the city after a shift at a downtown London, Ont. eatery.
On his ride home, he was struck and killed on Hamilton Road around 4:40 a.m.
The driver fled the scene.
A bike stands in the spot where Jibin Benoy was struck while riding his bike home, as seen on Sept. 27, 2022. (Kim Knight/CTV News London)
Cyclists are planning to meet at the scene of the incident Tuesday evening, then will cycle to London City Hall to ring their bells and make some noise, advocating for safer streets.
“We’ve been asking for a network of protected bike lanes. On Hamilton Road there’s essentially no infrastructure even though it’s a popular route for cyclists,” says David Isaac, an avid cyclist and lawyer in London who plans to participate in Tuesday’s ride.
Issac adds, “If there had been protected bike lanes there this probably wouldn't have happened. We’re tired of this happening, some change needs to happen.”
During a vigil for Benoy last week, Jamieson Roberts had said, “We may not have known him personally, but we know him because we’ve experienced it.”
Roberts, who is also participating in the ride, then told CTV News London that he knows several cyclists who have been hit by a car in the city.
Dozens of cyclists gathered outside in the rain on Sept. 27, 2022 for a safe ride to city hall to honour Jibin Benoy, who was struck and killed while riding his bike on Sept.18, 2022 in London, Ont. (Jenn Basa/CTV News London)
“The average experience of cycling in London is one where you are continually worried about whether you’re going to get hit, when you are not in one of the few spaces where we have protected infrastructure,” he said.
In London, protected bike lanes can be found on Dundas and Colborne streets.
As of Tuesday, London police say they do not have an update on this investigation.
Police say an investigation has found the suspect vehicle may be a dark-coloured sedan with significant damage to the front end, hood and windshield.
Investigators are asking anyone who was on Hamilton Road between 4:30 to 4:45 a.m., or anyone who has dash cam video that could help, to contact the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.