The tragic and untimely demise of 36-year-old Darin Kinniewess in a road accident has escalated the urgent demands for improved bicycle safety measures in Saskatoon. Kinniewess, a devoted father of two, lost his life when his bicycle collided with a passenger vehicle near the crossing of 19th Street West and Avenue P South during the evening rush hour. Despite desperate efforts to save him, he succumbed to his severe injuries in a local hospital the following morning. The local law enforcement officers are actively investigating the circumstances leading to this fatal accident.
The heartbreaking loss resonated deeply in the local community, prompting an intensified call for action to ensure the safety of cyclists on Saskatoon roads. Jim Arnold, a prominent figure at Saskatoon Cycles, expressed his sorrow and concern over the incident.
“Witnessing these tragic incidents unfold, it’s clear that Saskatoon requires immediate reform in its regulations and infrastructure for cyclists,” Arnold stated. His experience is imbued with narrow escapes from unpredictable and intimidating behaviors of drivers, which echo the general sentiment of the cycling community in Saskatoon.
Despite the absence of a notorious history for the intersection where Kinniewess met his unfortunate end, Arnold called upon the administration to come up with effective solutions such as creating clearer sightlines and strategical placement of no parking signs closer to the intersection. He also expressed his discontent regarding the perceived slow progress by Saskatoon’s city hall in constructing safe cycling infrastructure.
Arnold adds, “Improving our city’s road safety extends beyond the realm of politics— it is a matter of protecting lives and making Saskatoon a better place for everyone.”
This recent accident records the second untimely death of a cyclist in Saskatoon within a span of four months. Earlier, in late May, 33-year-old Natasha Fox was tragically killed during a collision with a cement truck at Wiggins Avenue and College Drive junction. A mother of two, Fox’s sudden demise occurred in full view of her children trailing behind her on their bicycles. According to her grieving husband, Tod Fox, such distressing incidents could be easily avoided with better decision-making within city council.
Despite this series of traumatic events hitting the cycling community, Saskatoon continues to reaffirm its commitment to improving cycling infrastructure across the city. Since Fox’s death, bike safety has become a significant area of concern for all residents, and there are ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive active transportation network.
Arnold’s frustration derives from years of witnessing seemingly endless discussions, planning, and studies, yet inadequate tangible changes. With these two heartbreaking incidents occurring in such quick succession, he calls on the city council to take immediate action to prevent further loss and trauma.
Expressing his persistent vigil for the safety of cyclists in Saskatoon, Arnold concluded, “The prevailing inertia needs to be replaced by prompt and effective actions. We don’t need more studies; we need action to prevent further tragedies”.
