The Door Prize Nobody Wants to Win!
On June 20, 2005 the City of Toronto, in partnership with the Canadian Automobile Association, will give a big boost to the existing Watch for Bikes campaign with the wide distribution of 150,000 brand new side view mirror decals and Door Prize cards. (PDF 1.5 KB)
Drivers or passengers opening their car door in the path of cyclists contribute to one of the most frequent car-bike collisions in the downtown core. Many of these collisions result in serious injury to cyclists. All of these collisions (and near misses!) can be avoided. For details and statistics, visit the 2003 Toronto Bicycle/Motor-Vehicle Collision Study.
If you, as a motorist, open your door without looking, you may force a passing cyclist to collide with the door or swerve into a lane of traffic to avoid the door. Opening a car door without looking behind can result in severe personal injury or death for a passing cyclist. Cyclists riding defensively should ride a metre out from parked cars to avoid sudden car door opening.
The Highway Traffic Act, Section 165, requires that:
No person shall 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: (Fine $110 and two demerit points).
The City of Toronto and CAA has printed decals that motorists can apply to the bottom of the exterior mirror on the drivers' side. The mirror, with the decal applied, acts as a visual reminder for motorists to look first before opening a car door.
The Watch for Bikes campaign is one component of a city-wide campaign to increase safety, cooperation, and consideration among road users.
To pick up your free copy of the Watch For Bikes sticker please look for our display at your local bike store, CAA Office, Police Station, Community, Recreation, or Civic Centre.
