The tragic death of cyclist Rafal Szabat on Hamilton Road has reignited passionate discussions about cycling safety in London’s east end. The incident, which occurred near the intersection with Rectory Street, marks the second cycling fatality on this stretch of road in recent years.
Local residents are expressing frustration over what they see as preventable deaths due to inadequate road design. Ben Durham, a Ward 3 resident who frequently travels through the area, sent a detailed email to city councillors including Hadleigh McAlister, Peter Cuddy, and Josh Morgan following the incident.
In his correspondence, Durham highlighted that this was the second cyclist killed on Hamilton Road, referencing the September 2022 death of Jibin Benoy at the same location. Despite previous advocacy efforts, including a memorial ride to City Hall after Benoy’s death, no significant changes have been made to the road’s design.
The email specifically called out the lack of proper cycling infrastructure on Hamilton Road, describing it as a road designed “to get you to the rest of the city” that forces cyclists into dangerous situations. Durham requested an action plan from councillors to address the ongoing safety concerns.
Online discussions among local cycling advocates reveal widespread anxiety about riding on Hamilton Road. One experienced cyclist who has been commuting by bike for 30 years described the stretch as “THE WORST, MOST DANGEROUS road for cycling” they have ever encountered, comparing it unfavourably to roads in Montreal, Toronto, London UK, and other major cities.
The road’s design creates multiple hazards for cyclists. Drivers frequently speed well above the 50 km/h limit, often reaching 70+ km/h as they race toward the highway. On-street parking along much of the route forces cyclists into traffic lanes, while the lack of protected bike lanes leaves them vulnerable to close passes and aggressive driving behaviour.
Several local residents shared their own near-miss experiences on the road. One cyclist reported being cut off by a city bus, while another described being nearly hit by drivers coming north off Highbury Avenue. The dangerous conditions have led many cyclists to choose the sidewalk instead, despite this being technically illegal.
The area presents particular challenges due to its connectivity issues. Unlike the north and west ends of London, which have more extensive cycling path networks, the Hamilton Road corridor lacks safe, connected routes for utility cycling and commuting. This forces cyclists onto major roads regardless of their comfort level.
A detailed analysis conducted by a local urban development student identified key deficiencies in the area, including lack of police enforcement for speed limits, absence of dedicated cycling lanes, and poor connectivity to existing safe cycling infrastructure. The analysis was submitted to the city’s Active Transportation Division over two years ago but appears to have received no response.
The stretch of Hamilton Road between Adelaide and Highbury has become particularly notorious among local cyclists. The combination of high-speed traffic, inadequate infrastructure, and poor sight lines creates what many describe as a deadly combination for vulnerable road users.
Local cycling advocates point to successful road safety initiatives in other cities as examples of what could be implemented. They reference infrastructure changes that have dramatically reduced cycling fatalities in places like Oslo, which has achieved significant reductions in road deaths through smart design that accounts for human error.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for immediate action from city council. Advocates are pushing for comprehensive road redesign that would include protected cycling lanes, speed enforcement measures, and better connectivity to existing cycling networks throughout the city.
Some residents have expressed willingness to attend upcoming city council meetings to present their concerns directly to all councillors. The next opportunity for public input is scheduled for June 25th, where cycling safety advocates plan to make formal presentations about the Hamilton Road situation.
The ongoing safety concerns reflect broader challenges with cycling infrastructure in London, where painted bike lanes and disconnected routes often leave cyclists feeling unsafe. Many local riders report avoiding certain roads entirely or choosing to ride on sidewalks despite legal restrictions.
The discussion gained traction on Reddit’s London Ontario community, where residents shared their own experiences and frustrations with the city’s cycling infrastructure