The first month and a half of Ellen’s law
Dec. 23 While out on a training ride on a clear afternoon, Ellen Watters, 28, is hit by a Volkswagen Golf near Sussex, N.B. She had been visiting family over the holidays. In October, the promising pro was signed to Colavita/bianchi. Dec. 26 Watters’ sister Lily posts the following message on Facebook: “At this time, Ellen is still stable and receiving respiratory support. However, given her injuries and the results of scans and observation over the past few days, we do not anticipate a recovery. This news is truly heartbreaking for me to have to share. Ellen’s incredible strength and tenacity make this all the more difficult to take in.” Dec. 28 Watters dies as a result of the injuries she sustained five days earlier. cbc reports that Watters’ mother remembered her daughter once saying if she “had to die for the roads to be safer for other cyclists, then [she] would be OK with that.” A campaign to instate a one-metre law in New Brunswick gets underway. It’s called Ellen’s law. Jan. 1 Roughly 100 supporters of Ellen’s law have a rally in Moncton, N.B. Jan. 6 Velo NB, Saint John Cycling and Folks on Spokes Fredericton issue a call for signatures for their petition in support of proposed changes to the provincial Motor Vehicle Act. Jan. 9 Saint John city council endorses Ellen’s law. Jan. 12 Members of Saint John Cycling and Folks on Spokes Fredericton meet with members of the provincial government. Wayne Arrowsmith of Saint John Cycling says, “It was a very positive meeting and confirmed that all are committed to moving this legislation forward.” Jan. 16 Supporters of Ellen’s law wear helmets at a Moncton city council meeting as a resolution supporting the law passes unanimously. Jan. 17 The City of Edmundston endorses Ellen’s law. Jan. 27 Premier Brian Gallant’s government announces it has plans to change the province’s Motor Vehicle Act during the upcoming session. “Legislation expected to be introduced during this sitting includes changes to the Motor Vehicle Act to improve the safety of cyclists and reinforce the importance of sharing the road,” says a government release. Feb. 10 A nor’easter storm delays Ellen’s law proposal in New Brunswick legislature. Feb. 16 The bill containing Ellen’s law is introduced in legislature.