Veteran Toronto bike messenger Mike Rankin, 56 was killed after
being struck by a taxi on Wednesday November 7, 2012. Rankin, who
was wearing a helmet, suffered sever head injuries when he was hit
at the intersection of Richmond Street and University Avenue by a
taxi driver who said he was clearing the light. Rankin worked for
Zap/Cys Courier house (#862)
“Clearing the light” is a term often used to describe a driver who
upon seeing his light turn to yellow he puts his foot on the gas to
speed through the intersection as the light turns to red. It’s also
sometimes referred to as running a red light.
Most bike messengers are killed by large vehicles in the downtown
core. It’s quite rare for a bike messenger to be killed by a car as
speeds in the core are often slower. In this case Rankin’s helmet
was destroyed by the car upon impact.
Mike Rankin's memorial ride - picture by Justin Morris
Cyclists snarl traffic with bike courier
vigil
CTV Toronto, November 10, 2012
The death of a bicycle courier prompted a rolling protest on
University Avenue Friday evening.
The 50 cyclists blocked southbound University at Richmond around 5
p.m., to make sure people knew about Mike Rankin. The 56-year-old
veteran courier was struck by a taxi at the intersection Wednesday
and died a few hours later from his injuries.
The Toronto Bike Messenger Association organized the vigil through
their Facebook page.
"All friends and messengers (current and past) and cyclists will
have a chance to remember this quiet, gentle soul that was taken
away from us far too early," read a Thursday night post.
"Let's show our love for Mike and show Toronto that we all need to
watch out for each other, regardless if you are a cyclist or driver
or pedestrian."
If their message wasn't heard by drivers it was certainly felt.
Traffic was clogged along University Avenue for about 60 minutes
during rush hour.
During the vigil, cyclists laid candles and flowers at the corner
and posted a flyer with Rankin's photograph to a tree along the
avenue.
The cyclists’ anger grew after they learned that Rankin's backpack,
broken and blood-stained helmet, and other belongings had been found
in a garbage can next to where he had been struck.
Police retrieved the items and said they were looking into how the
items ended up in the trash can.
"We’re just curious to know who put it there, why it’s there and why
you guys didn't take it,” one cyclist asked a police officer at
Friday’s vigil.
“We have no idea,” the officer replied.
“Well, how could you not know about it? There was blood all over
it,” the cyclist shot back.
While Rankin was being mourned downtown, another cyclist was
recovering in hospital after begin struck in Vaughan.
The 33-year old man was hit by a car near Weston road Friday
afternoon. He was taken to St. Mike’s Hospital with life-threatening
injuries.
The accident closed Rutherford road west of Weston for several
hours.
