The province of British Columbia was ranked third in the number of pedestrian deaths in Canada, with 502 recorded fatalities. Surrey, a city located in the province, had the highest number of pedestrian deaths, with 52 fatalities.
Cyclists Face Devastating Road Risks in B.C.
The average age of cyclists killed in B.C. was 44.6 years old, while in Surrey, it was 42.5 years old. The number of cyclists killed in B.C. was 81, while in Surrey, it was 11.
The Cycling Fatality Crisis in British Columbia and Surrey
The statistics are stark: in 2020, British Columbia (B.C.) and Surrey, a city within B.C., experienced a devastating cycling fatality crisis. The numbers are a stark reminder of the risks cyclists face on the roads.
The High Risk of Cycling Fatalities in B.C. B.C.
“We need to rethink our infrastructure to prioritize cycling and pedestrian safety.”
The Need for Infrastructure Overhaul
The province of Ontario, Canada, is facing a pressing issue with its infrastructure. According to Petersen, the province overinvests in highways and roads, while underinvesting in the infrastructure that makes cycling and pedestrian safety a priority.
The State of Highway Investment in British Columbia
The Ministry of Transportation in British Columbia, Canada, has been facing criticism for its lack of investment in highway infrastructure. A recent report by the Canadian Institute for Substance Abuse (CISA) highlighted the disparity in funding between highway investment and pedestrian and cycling facilities.
The Budget Allocation
The Ministry of Transportation budget for highway investment and operations is approximately $1,046 per B.C. resident. This amount is substantial, but it raises questions about the allocation of funds. Petersen, a transportation expert, pointed out that investment in capital and operations for pedestrian and cycling facilities has only been about three dollars per resident from 2011 to 2025. The budget allocation is not evenly distributed, with a significant portion going towards highway construction and maintenance.
According to the information gathered, the most dangerous city in Canada for both cycling and pedestrians was Mississauga, Ont., where 129 people were killed over the past decade.
