A cyclist in Ottawa says he is frustrated with the police response after he was struck by a vehicle while riding in a bike lane last month.
Matthew Smith, a 61-year-old teacher, was commuting to work on March 30 when a driver allegedly ran a red light at Bronson Avenue and clipped his rear wheel at Slater Street, causing him to fall and injure his wrist. The driver stayed at the scene and exchanged information, and bystanders assisted Smith.
He called the Ottawa Police non-emergency line but says he was told officers would not attend unless an ambulance was required. Feeling his injuries were not severe enough to need emergency transport, he instead went to hospital later on his own, where he was diagnosed with a broken wrist.
Police have said attendance at collision scenes depends on circumstances and severity, and some cases are redirected to a collision reporting centre. They also noted that if serious injuries are not initially reported, investigators may later revisit the incident.
Smith has since filed a report with the collision centre and reached out to city officials, expressing concern about cyclist safety and the lack of immediate police response.