Councillor calls on Ottawa to consider right turns on red lights at downtown intersections

CTV News

31-07-2025

A no right turns on red sign is located on George Street at Sussex Drive in the ByWard Market. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)
A city councillor suggests the City of Ottawa needs to consider banning right hand turns on red lights in the downtown core after a cyclist was struck by a vehicle at an intersection near Ottawa City Hall.
The Ottawa Police Service is investigating after a cyclist was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Elgin and Lisgar streets at approximately 3:50 p.m. on Wednesday. The man was transported to hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Coun. Ariel Troster said in a social media post that she witnessed the aftermath of the crash, adding the cyclist was struck by a driver turning right at the intersection. Police have released no details about the crash.
'This needs to end, we need Vision Zero now,' Troster said in a post on Bluesky.
'The cyclist got hit at the exact same intersection I was about to bike by, it could have been me. We need to consider banning right on red in all downtown intersections. You shouldn't be taking your life in your hands every time you walk or cycle.'
Coun. Sean Devine said he is '100 per cent ready' to join Troster's 'ban right on red' movement, adding it should be an election issue.
'Montreal has this, but only because that's the way it always was. Other cities elected to allow right turns on red, to allow for greater traffic flow. And look who's paying the price,' Devine said on Bluesky.
'Day after day, another tragedy.'
The Highway Traffic Act allows motorists to make a right turn on a red light.
'Unless a sign tells you not to, you may turn on a red light only after coming to a complete stop and waiting until the way is clear,' the Ontario government's website says.
There were two collisions involving cyclists in the downtown core on Wednesday.
The Ottawa Paramedic Service says a man in his 50s was struck by a vehicle while cycling on Bank Street near Gladstone Avenue.