Almost Died This Week: Why Vancouver's Streets Are More Dangerous Than Ever

 🚨 Our Streets Are Not Safe — We Need to Talk About Hit-and-Runs, E-Bikes, and Responsibility

The other day, I almost died.

I was riding in the designated bike lane, following the rules, when a car suddenly turned into me. I slammed on my brakes and barely avoided a crash — there were maybe three inches between me and the vehicle. If I hadn't reacted in that split second, I would have been thrown off my bike. I would have been another injured or dead cyclist on the streets of Vancouver.

This isn't an isolated experience. Just this week, two elderly women in Burnaby were seriously injured in a hit-and-run, and days earlier, a 70-year-old woman in East Vancouver was also struck and left in the street. These people were walking — slowly, carefully — and still they were hit.

What is happening to our city?

We’re seeing a surge of electric bikes, scooters, delivery drivers, and newcomers to the city. Some don’t know our local rules. Some don’t care. And some think they can hurt people and drive away without consequences. Let me be crystal clear:

If you hit someone — and you flee — you are a criminal. If you come here and disregard our laws and culture of safety, then maybe you don’t belong here. We believe in respect, responsibility, and care for one another. If you can’t follow those values, this city will hold you accountable — and yes, that can include deportation if you're here on a visa or temporary permit.

This is not about race or origin — it’s about respect and shared humanity. No one has the right to injure others and act like it's nothing.

🚲 Vancouver Needs Urgent Action:

• Better driver education for new residents.
• More visible enforcement on bike lanes and intersections.
• Public awareness campaigns in multiple languages.
• Real consequences for hit-and-run drivers.
• A renewed focus on street safety for pedestrians, cyclists, elders, and children.

I want a city where people don’t have to fear for their lives just walking to the store or biking to work. We all deserve that.

If you’ve witnessed reckless driving, or you’ve been hurt, speak up. File a report. Share your story. We need to unite and demand safer streets.

Let’s remember: every victim could be a grandmother, a child, a neighbour — or you.