THUNDER BAY – A 32-year-old cyclists needed to be rushed to the hospital after she was ‘doored’ on the city’s south side.
Being ‘doored’ refers to a cyclist crashing into the door of a parked car after the driver or passenger opens the door without checking if the way is clear. The cyclists usually has little time to stop and runs into the car door at speed.
Thunder Bay Police Service officials say the dooring incident took place just before 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at Brodie Street near Victoria Avenue.
A 73-year-old woman driver failed to check her mirror before opening her door. The 32-year-old woman cyclists crashed into the open door.
Dooring is included in the Highway Traffic Act. You can read the section that refers to that infraction below (supplied by the Thunder Bay Police Service).
Opening of doors of motor vehicles
165. No person shall,
(a) open the door of a motor vehicle on a highway without first taking due precautions to ensure that his or her act will not interfere with the movement of or endanger any other person or vehicle; or
(b) leave a door of a motor vehicle on a highway open on the side of the vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than is necessary to load or unload passengers. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 165.
Note: On September 1, 2015, the day named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor, section 165 is amended by adding the following subsection: (See: 2015, c. 14, s. 49)
Penalty
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $1,000. 2015, c. 14, s. 49.
