Winnipeg cycling couple calling for change after separate accidents in same intersection

A Winnipeg couple is reeling from broken bones sustained at an intersection in separate cycling accidents just days apart.

Jodry Clayton says he was biking home in a protected bike lane Saturday when a driver, who didn’t signal, suddenly turned right in front of him into a back alley just east of the intersection of Westminster Avenue and Sherbrook Street.

“I had to slam on my brakes to avoid running into their vehicle,” Clayton explained.

He says the force sent him over his handlebars, and he landed on his head, neck, and shoulders.

“I was scared for what had happened to my shoulder. I knew something was wrong immediately.”

But he wouldn’t have answers for a while.

“I sat in the emergency room at HSC for 10 hours in a full neck brace and in a sling, waiting for X-rays, waiting for exams,” Clayton explained.

When the tests came back, they showed a clean break in his collarbone. He’s now waiting for a call to have surgery. He’s not sure what he’s looking at for recovery, but he hasn’t been able to work, drive, or play his recreational sports.

“It’s definitely very frustrating that everything in my life is put on hold because of this,” said Clayton.

Then, just two days later, Clayton’s partner says she was riding through the same intersection on a green light and was also forced to slam on her brakes.

“He completely cut me off, didn’t see me. I landed with my arm out, I guess, and he rolled over my arm,” said Jenn Kostesky.

“This can’t be happening to me too, with it just happening to Jodry on Saturday. What are the chances?”

Her injuries include fractures in her elbow, wrist, and hands. It all has the couple calling for drivers to pay closer attention.

“It is concerning that we’re using bike lanes, we’re using the safety precautions that we can use. We’re wearing helmets. But drivers are still not paying enough attention to think to look over their shoulder when they’re turning right,” said Clayton.

Clayton also wants to see the bicycle and pedestrian priority signals, which allow them to creep out first, enhancing visibility, installed at more intersections.

The City of Winnipeg says the one at Westminster and Sherbrook is not currently under consideration for changes.

Councillor Sherri Rollins was not available for an interview, but says she will raise concerns about this busy intersection to the public works committee. She says she will be asking for priority signals.

The couple doesn’t yet know what will happen to the drivers in their cases, but they say they hope there’s some kind of education program and tougher fines to make the roads safer for everyone.

CityNews reported on a similar incident at the same intersection last summer, in which a six-year-old was struck by a vehicle that turned onto the bike lane.