Two Hamilton cyclists ‘doored’ by vehicle on Locke St.

Two Hamilton cyclists were injured on Apr. 8 after they slammed into a car door that was opened in front of them. “Dooring” is a common accident that is easily preventable.

Michael Gilroy was cycling down Locke Street with his partner when all of a sudden a door got in their way.

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Gilroy says, “The door popped open full pop, like very quickly. My partner and I kinda collided head first into it, over the handlebars.” As a result, Gilroy and his partner both broke their wrists and Michael broke two ribs.

Gilroy says they were in shock immediately after the incident and didn’t get the driver’s information before they left. “The driver actually did get out of their car. My partner and I were quite rattled in that situation, so they didn’t just take off.”

Biking lawyer David Shellnutt, who represents the couple, says the driver should have stayed even if they thought the couple was okay. “If there’s a collision between a vulnerable road user and an automobile, you gotta stick around and you gotta report it.”

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The security footage of the incident allowed Shellnutt to send the driver’s license plate number to police. “There’s a dooring charge under the Highway Traffic Act that comes with demerit points and a penalty, but in this case, we should see a hit and run, leave the scene of a collision charge as well.”

According to the Highway Traffic Act, a dooring charge can cost drivers up to $365 and three demerit points.

Shellnut says there is one very effective way that drivers can avoid hitting a cyclist with their door. They just have to perform what’s called a Dutch reach. Instead of reaching to open the door with the hand that’s closest to it, you reach with your other hand. This move forces your body to turn, therefore forcing you to see if anyone is coming behind you.

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Hamilton police are currently investigating the incident, but haven’t provided any further details.