Cyclist ‘dooring’ incidents on the rise in Toronto

New data that suggests cyclist “dooring” collisions are on the rise in Toronto is extremely troubling, says Toronto critical injury lawyer Patrick Brown.

According to information the advocacy group Cycle Toronto obtained from the Toronto police, there were 209 collisions caused by an occupant of a parked vehicle opening their door to strike a cyclist, the Toronto Star reports.

Those numbers have increased from 175 collisions in 2015 and 132 in 2014, a jump of 58 per cent, the newspaper says.

‘Rates are alarming’

“These dooring rates are alarming and likely underreported,” says Brown, partner with McLeish Orlando LLP and a past director of Cycle Toronto.

“As someone who has acted as counsel on far too many civil dooring cases, I have seen the devastating impact that this reckless and careless behaviour can have on cyclists.

“Until we take affirmative measures to educate drivers and create safe space for cyclists such as separated bike lanes, this carnage will continue.”

Cycle Toronto is asking the city to improve cycling infrastructure, including the installation of separate bike lanes on major streets, according to the Star. They also want the city to consider removing on-street parking on roads with streetcar tracks to improve bike infrastructure and banning some taxi and rideshare pickup lanes.

The group is encouraging education on a technique known as the “Dutch reach,” for opening a car door, which involves a driver using their right hand, forcing them to be aware of what’s happening over their shoulder.

Drivers who are pulled over for “dooring” are handed a $365 fine and receive three demerit points, the article says.