Family files lawsuit after ‘slap on the wrist’ for man who killed cyclist

Amanda Strong says the sentence applied to the man who killed her father Brian Woods doesn’t reflect the seriousness of what happened.

“It’s not fair, he was doing what he should have been doing, he was in the right, if cyclists are supposed to be on the road, why are the roads so dangerous for him,” Strong said.

“I’m not expecting him to go to jail, you know, people do make mistakes but…your actions have consequences.”

Marco Ferreira, 47, of Hamilton pled guilty last month to a non-criminal charge of careless driving causing death.

In addition to a $12,500 fine and 100 hours of community service, he was banned from driving for two years, except to drive to the GO Train to go to work.

READ MORE: White memorial bike placed as a tribute to Brian Woods near Lime Ridge Mall

During his trial, it was revealed Ferreira became distracted while driving, reaching for cigarettes and then striking Woods.

“It was really hard to hear that’s all he’s getting and to know that he can still drive himself to work, he can still take that same route every single day,” Strong said.

Biking lawyer David Shellnut is representing Strong, her brother Aaron and two of their father’s grandchildren in the suit, alleging negligence on the part of Ferreira and the company he was working for, Hardwall Construction Limited of Bolton.

“In no other context could you kill somebody and get a slap on the wrist like this,” Shellnut said.

“If you kill someone with your vehicle, your ability to drive should not be tailored to your work schedule or only lost for a year or two.”

READ MORE: Hamilton police ticket injured cyclist in hospital after being hit by car

Shellnut said they are seeking nearly $10 million in damages to send a message.

“People need to know there are consequences to driving dangerously,” Shellnut said.

As for Strong, she says her dad’s death has left a significant void for the family – something that will never go away.

“My dad was the one that kept families together, the family has kind of… it’s changed a lot, I feel like if you had asked me who I was a little over a year ago, I’d tell you a totally different person than I am today,” Strong said.