Toronto's Bold Move to Install Side Guards on Heavy Trucks: A Game Changer for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety!

Toronto is taking a significant step towards enhancing the safety of its streets by retrofitting heavy-duty vehicles with side guards, a crucial measure aimed at reducing the alarming number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths in the city.

These protective railings, which can be strategically mounted on the sides of large trucks between the axles, are designed to prevent individuals from being pulled under the wheels during accidents—a common and tragic outcome of collisions with heavy vehicles. Mayor Olivia Chow passionately stated, "Installing side guards means saving lives. It translates to fewer tragedies and ultimately ensures safety on our roads."

Statistics speak volumes: city officials estimate that the implementation of side guards could reduce cyclist fatalities by an impressive 62% and pedestrian fatalities by 20%. This is a monumental step for Toronto, which has witnessed too many heartbreaking incidents on its streets. Standing beside a retrofitted vehicle, Chow recalled her promise to the family of Jenna Morrison, a 38-year-old yoga instructor tragically killed by a transport truck while cycling in 2011. "I vowed to Jenna's husband that I would work to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again," she reflected.

Despite facing challenges, particularly pushback from the trucking industry regarding the mandatory installation of side guards, Chow has relentlessly advocated for this change. A report scheduled for review by the city’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee next week recommends retrofitting all city-owned commercial vehicles with these vital safety features.

"If a side guard is in place, pedestrians or cyclists will likely bounce off and sustain only minor bruises. Without them, however, they risk getting trapped between the wheels, which can be catastrophic," Chow expressed with urgency.

The estimated cost of retrofitting Toronto's fleet of 500 heavy-duty vehicles is around $5.7 million. City staff project that around 219 vehicles could be outfitted by December 2025, with the entire fleet expected to be retrofitted by the end of 2026.

Notably, side guards have become a standard feature in many jurisdictions, including the European Union, where their effectiveness in saving lives is widely recognized. In Ontario, the chief coroner has emphasized the potential life-saving benefits of these devices.

Currently, there are no federal or provincial mandates requiring vehicles to have side guards installed. However, Chow is planning a meeting with Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria to advocate for the incorporation of these safety devices as a requirement for provincial vehicles.

The upcoming report will also explore the feasibility of mandating that all existing and new suppliers contracted to provide city services must equip their commercial vehicles with side guards. A follow-up report on this initiative is expected to be presented to the council next fall.

As Toronto embarks on this transformative journey to improve road safety, the hope is to pave the way for a future where accidents are fewer, and every cyclist and pedestrian can navigate the city with confidence. Will this initiative be the turning point that changes the narrative on road safety in Toronto? Stay tuned for more updates!