MIMICO’s Tyrone Roopchand had many friends and will be missed by many loved ones as well.
RESIDENTS have started a petition with more than 1,000 names for a new traffic light at Forty Second street.
TYRONE and friend enjoy what they loved doing most – riding motorcycles. The passion for bikes led to his death.
An emotional candle light vigil was held in Long Branch to remember a promising Mimico man who died when his motorcycle collided with a car.
The dead man has been identified on social media as Tyrone Roopchand, 35, of Mimico, who is described as an avid bike lover and has been photographed with a number of motorcyles online.
The deadly crash occurred on June 17 around 10:19 p.m. in the Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Forty Second Street area.
Police said there was a collision between a Kawasaki motorcycle that was turning left from Forty Second Street to Lake Shore Blvd. W. Witnesses said the bike collided with a BMW travelling east on Lake Shore Blvd. W.
There was a vigil held at the scene and a number of drive-byes by motorcycle riders to pay tribute to their friend.
Since then more than 1,000 friends and supporters have signed an online petition calling on the city to install a traffic light at Forty Second Street to make the area safer. Critics argue there are already traffic lights at Forty One Street.
In addition, crews working for the TTC and the City of Toronto are undertaking construction work to enhance the safety of the intersection at Brown’s Line and Lakeshore Blvd. W.
This “queue-jump” lane for streetcars will give westbound streetcars their own lane for approximately 100 metres approaching the western leg of the Lake Shore Boulevard / Brown’s Line intersection, the TTC said.
When completed, there will be a traffic signal phasing for streetcars, refreshed and new crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signal at the Long Branch Loop.
The TTC said the work is expected to be completed by July 31.
Meanwhile social media has been busy with messages from the victim’s friends and loved ones.
“This was my friend,” wrote Devika Persaud.
“He was like a son to me RIP Tyrone and I’m going to miss him,” said Tina Michaud.
“I’m very sorry for your loss. The world always loses the good ones too soon ,” noted Melanie M.
“Something needs to be done,” said Lorelei Green. “Far too often I see cars make unsafe turns and cutting off drivers or barely squeezing between an open stretch.”
“Unfortunately, this rider died from racing, not poor city planning,” wrote Maui Marble.
Residents who signed a petition are also calling on city officials to make the roadway safer by making Forty Second Street a one-way street, install a new traffic light, placing large signage to warn about speeding or making illegal turns.
No date has been set for a funeral service.