The BC Coroner’s Service has ruled the death of a 73-year-old cyclist in downtown Victoria two years ago was accidental.
Eileen Evans was struck and killed by a delivery truck while cycling on Government Street at the corner of Fisgard Street in March 2016.
According to the coroner’s report, the truck was turning right onto Fisgard Street on a green light when Evans was struck.
The police’s assessment found that Government Street’s asphalt road surface was in good repair, dry and free of any obstructions during the time of the collision. However, the collision reconstruction showed there was a potential blind spot on the vehicle near where the passenger side door opens.
One of the issues brought up by crash analysts was inconsistent bike lane markings that could cause confusion for cyclists and drivers. However, the report said Evans and the truck driver went on that road frequently and it was unlikely either of them were distracted or confused by the signage.
“I classify this death as accidental and make no recommendations,” Coroner Carolyn Maxwell concluded in her report.
The City of Victoria’s engineering department is being encouraged to review the report.
CHEK News
