2024.IE18.5

Background

“Research from various sources based in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Netherlands indicate that side guards could reduce cyclist fatalities by approximately 62%, pedestrian fatalities by 20%, and serious injuries for cyclists by 6%. However, there are currently no federal or provincial requirements for vehicles to be fitted with side guards. As the federal government sets national vehicle safety standards, the City of Toronto does not have the jurisdiction or authority to mandate all commercial vehicles operating within the City of Toronto be equipped with side guards. However, City Council, through Vision Zero 2.0, authorized the implementation of side guards and a comprehensive fleet safety and accountability program for all Solid Waste Management Services (SWMS) vehicles, both in-house and contracted. Currently, thirty (30) units in the City’s fleet are equipped with side guards.”

Source: City of Toronto

Item Description

This item includes multiple recommendations including direction to secure “a total of $5,675,560 net of Harmonized Sales Tax through the 2025 budget process, to retrofit suitable City-owned commercial vehicles with side guards.”

Source: City of Toronto

Proposed by

Infrastructure and Environment Committee