I’ve spent the morning following a troubling incident that unfolded in Cabbagetown earlier today. A female cyclist suffered serious injuries after being struck by a truck at the intersection of Parliament and Spruce streets.
Police responded to calls around 8:15 a.m., finding the woman with significant injuries. Paramedics rushed her to a trauma center where she’s currently receiving critical care. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
“This intersection has been problematic for years,” says Jenna Martinez, a local resident who witnessed the aftermath. “The mixing of delivery trucks, cyclists, and pedestrians during morning rush hour creates a dangerous situation.”
Toronto’s cycling advocacy group Cycle TO noted this marks the third cyclist-involved collision in the downtown core this month. Their spokesperson, Dev Patel, told me, “Each incident highlights the urgent need for protected bike lane infrastructure in these high-traffic corridors.”
The truck involved appears to be a commercial delivery vehicle. Toronto Police Service hasn’t released details about potential charges as their investigation continues. Traffic reconstruction specialists spent several hours documenting the scene.
“When we arrived, bystanders were already providing first aid,” explained Toronto Paramedic Services representative Sarah Knowles. “Their quick action potentially made a significant difference.”
City data reveals cycling collisions have increased 12% year-over-year in Toronto’s downtown east neighborhoods. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam has previously advocated for expanded cycling infrastructure in the area.
Parliament Street remained partially closed between Carlton and Gerrard for approximately four hours while police conducted their investigation. The closure caused significant delays during the morning commute.
Local business owners expressed concern about the incident. “We see near-misses almost daily,” said Frank Moretti, who operates a cafe near the intersection. “Delivery trucks often struggle to navigate these narrow streets alongside cyclists.”
The Toronto Cycling Network Plan, approved in 2019, identified Parliament as a priority corridor for improved cycling infrastructure, but implementation has faced delays. Transportation Services cites budget constraints and competing priorities.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision to contact Traffic Services. They’re particularly interested in dash cam footage from vehicles that may have been in the area between 8:00 and 8:30 this morning.
This incident comes just weeks after City Council debated expanding the Vision Zero road safety plan, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities. Critics argue implementation has been too slow to address urgent safety concerns.
For now, the cycling community awaits updates on the injured woman’s condition while continuing to advocate for safer streets. As someone who frequently cycles these routes myself, today’s news hits particularly close to home.
