East Yorkers call intersection near arena a danger to pedestrians

Speed limit is 40 km/hr near East York Memorial Arena

A resident from the Cosburn and Cedarvale area calls the intersection a “time bomb” when it comes to pedestrian safety.

On Thursday afternoon police say a 69-year-old woman crossing at that intersection in East York was struck and killed by a moving truck. Some who live in the area have campaigned to have traffic-control devices installed where Cosburn and Cedarvale intersect, Norman Fuller among them.

“A lot of people … drive too fast. It’s like a drag strip,” Fuller said. “A few people have already been hit here. People do not pay attention.”

Const. Clint Stibbe, of the Toronto Police Service, said the force received emergency calls about the accident at 1:38 p.m. Thursday.

“The woman was crossing Cosburn, at Cedarvale, when she was hit by a truck when the driver tried to make a left to go east on Cosburn Avenue,” Stibbe said.

The 60-year-old driver of the pickup truck remained on scene. Police have laid no charges, as yet.

Konstantina Tsigaridis, who lives on Cosburn Avenue, said that members of the community have complained often about the danger to pedestrians there.

“We have asked for a four-way stop, speed bumps, anything to reduce the drag style racing that happens up Cosburn,” she said.

Tsigaridis said she has spoken to Coun. Janet Davis, via email. She said the Ward 31 councillor has requested that the intersection be reviewed for the addition of a traffic light. She said a report showed the intersection does not meet city requirements for a traffic signal.

“It could have completely been avoided,” Tsigaridis said. “Drivers blow through this intersection all the time. … It is horrible that someone had to lose their life to bring more attention to this intersection.”

So far this year, 41 pedestrians have died on Toronto streets; that’s two more than last year’s 39, according to Toronto police.

“I see a potential accident every single day here. It’s terrifying,” Tsigaridis said. “I believe the speed limits should be reduced and speed humps should be added.”

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Posted: Dec 6 2016 5:41 pm
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