To “get doored” when riding a bike refers to the situation in which a cyclist abruptly collides with an open car door. It usually happens when a cyclist is riding alongside parked cars and a driver or passenger opens their car door without looking for approaching bikes. The cyclist, who is frequently unable to respond in time, may crash into the door or swerve to avoid it, perhaps causing injury or accidents.

This scenario is dangerous for cyclists since the unexpected obstruction might result in serious injuries such as fractured bones, brain damage, or even death. In the United Kingdom, being doored is a major problem for cyclists, particularly in urban locations with heavy traffic and parked vehicles.

If you have been involved in a dooring accident and would like legal advice tailored to your specific situation, please don’t hesitate to contact CycleSOS on 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors.

Car dooring, also referred to as “dooring,” is an incident in which a parked car’s door unexpectedly opens and strikes a cyclist or motorcycle. When a vehicle occupant opens their car door without checking for oncoming cyclists or motorcyclists, a crash occurs. Car dooring can result in serious injuries or even death for those involved.

Car dooring is a traffic offence in the United Kingdom under the Road Traffic Act 1988. It is an offence under the statute to open “any door of a vehicle on a road so as to injure or endanger any person.” The person opening the door is responsible for ensuring that it is safe to do so, taking into account any oncoming traffic, including bicycles and motorcyclists.

Yes, dooring a cyclist is an offence in the United Kingdom. The act of opening a vehicle door into the path of an approaching cyclist, causing a collision, or requiring the cyclist to take evasive action to avoid a collision is referred to as dooring.

It is a crime under the UK’s Road Traffic Act 1988 to cause or permit any person to open, or to permit any person in or on a vehicle to open, a door of a vehicle on a road in order to injure or endanger any person. This includes opening a door in a way that endangers a cyclist’s safety.

To avoid door-related accidents, both drivers and bikers must show caution and follow certain recommendations. Drivers should practise the ‘Dutch Reach’ technique, which entails opening the car door with the hand furthest away from the door (the left hand for UK drivers). This motion encourages drivers to check their rear-view mirror for oncoming bikes before opening the door.

Cyclists, on the other hand, should ride at a moderate speed and keep a safe distance from parked cars wherever possible to allow for quick responses. Staying alert and aware of their surroundings is critical for detecting potential threats, such as people sitting in parked cars or indicators of an approaching door opening, such as brake lights or someone in the driver’s seat.

It is the obligation of the driver, not the person opening the door, to ensure that it is safe to do so. Before the door is opened, they must look for oncoming traffic, especially for cyclists and other pedestrians. Negligence can be defined as failing to take reasonable care and leading a cyclist to collide with an open door.

The true extent of dooring accidents across the UK is hard to determine, as not all cyclists who are hit by a car door report the incident to the police. From studying data released by the Department for Transport, (table RAS0701) there is a downward trend in the number of dooring accidents in the UK. Between the years 2012, 2013, and 2014, the average number of dooring accidents reported was 607.3 per year. This has fallen considerably over recent years. During 2019, 2020, and 2021, the average number of dooring accidents reported now stands at 174 per year.

It is important to note that documented incidents may not adequately reflect the magnitude of the problem because some cases are not reported or are classified differently. Furthermore, not all dooring incidents result in serious enough injuries to warrant police attention. As a result, the actual number of dooring cases may be higher than what is officially recorded.

A new provision has been added to the Highway Code to prevent drivers from opening their car doors without looking and endangering cyclists and pedestrians. The new rule, which will be added to Highway Code Rule 239, compels drivers to employ the “Dutch Reach” method when opening their vehicle’s doors. This strategy requires the driver to open the door with the hand furthest away from it, prompting them to turn their body and look for cyclists or pedestrians before exiting the vehicle. The “Dutch Reach” strategy was developed in the Netherlands to minimise accidents caused by drivers opening their car doors without first surveying their surroundings. According to Highway Code Rule 239, “where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side”.

Under UK legislation, such as the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act, the person opening the vehicle’s door is responsible for ensuring that it is safe to do so and that it does not endanger other road users, including cyclists.

A cyclist who is hit by a car door may be able to file a personal injury claim against the driver of the vehicle. To establish culpability, the rider must show that the motorist was careless in their actions. This could involve demonstrating that the motorist failed to check their mirrors or failed to ensure that the door was safe to open.

If you have been involved in a dooring accident and would like independent legal advice you can trust, please don’t hesitate to contact CycleSOS. For more information about our services or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.

If a cyclist has been hit by a car door, there are several important steps they should take:

Ensure safety: The rider should prioritise their safety and, if possible, get out of harm’s way to a safe spot. They should check their injuries and, if necessary, seek medical assistance.

Collect information: It is critical that information concerning the incident be gathered. The rider should get the driver’s information, which should include the driver’s name, contact information, and car registration number. If there were any witnesses, their contact information should also be gathered.

Report the incident: The rider should call the police as soon as possible, preferably at the scene of the accident. The police will compile an incident report, which will be useful for insurance claims and legal actions.

Evidence in the form of documents: If possible, the cyclist should record or video the accident scene, including any damage to the bicycle, the car involved, and the surrounding area. This evidence may eventually be used to support their case.

Seek medical attention: Even if the rider does not appear to be critically hurt at first, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, are not always obvious but can have catastrophic effects.

Inform the insurance company: The rider should notify the insurance company about the occurrence, providing all pertinent information. This will aid in the beginning of the claims process, whether it includes personal injury or bicycle damage.

Consult with a legal expert: Depending on the severity of the collision and the ensuing injuries, the rider may wish to see a personal injury lawyer or solicitor. When claiming for a dooring accident, they can provide direction and assistance in navigating any legal proceedings.

If you have been harmed as a result of a car door unexpectedly opening, please contact us at 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.