'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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.