Riding a bicycle is often the fastest and most efficient way to get from place to place in a large downtown hub. Cyclists are a common sight on the streets in the busiest urban centres of Ontario, and there are dedicated lanes to accommodate them in many areas. Riding the roads is still a risky business, however, and bike versus car accidents happen regularly. Among the most dangerous incidents are doorings.
For anyone who is not a cyclist, the term ‘dooring’ might not be a familiar one. A dooring occurs when a parked motorist opens his or her vehicle door on the street side and a cyclist crashes into it. The potential for serious injury in these cases is very high.
In Toronto, police statistics show there were 209 reported doorings in 2016 — a significant increase from the 132 incidents reported in 2014. Strangely, although a ticket was issued in 53 percent of the 2014 cases, in 2016, that figure dropped to 27 percent. The number of warnings issued also declined from 21 in 2015 to just 5 last year. This is despite an increase in the minimum fine from $60 to $365 plus three demerit points.
Dooring is a serious issue for bicyclists in the cities of Ontario. Though they may not grab the headlines as often as other car accidents do, they can be devastating to the unfortunate victims. If you, a friend or a family member are victims of someone’s negligence and suffering from injuries and losses, contact us to speak to one of our lawyers to know your rights and what steps you should be taking in order to protect your rights for the future.
