Montreal Public Health: 309 people victims of ‘dooring’

According to new data from Montreal Public Health, 309 people were victims of ‘dooring’ between Jan. 2019 and Nov. 2022 in the city.

‘Dooring’ is when the driver or passenger of a vehicle opens their door without looking, hitting the cyclist, pedestrian, or wheelchair user passing by.

According to the Montreal police, “as cyclists are required to ride on the extreme right of the road, this makes them all the more vulnerable to this manoeuvre.”

Public Health released its first data indicating what they call the “worrying figures.”

This report is based on data recorded by the SPVM. Researchers say the number of ‘dooring’ incidents is more frequent than the amount reported to police.

May marks Quebec ‘bike month,’ recognized by the government for the first time this year.

The sun is out, the weather is warmer and many Quebecers are getting their bicycles out of their sheds.

There are over one million cyclists in Montreal.

Public Health noted that Wednesday is one of the days with the highest number of ‘dooring’ incidents, and women are more often victims of dooring despite cycling less than men.

They want to “remind all road users of the importance of good practices for safe cohabitation.”

The SPVM recommends drivers ensure safe door-opening by checking their rear-view mirror, using the hand farthest from the door to open it — making it easier to check your blind spot.

Authorities remind road users that “under the Highway Safety Code (HSC), checking that opening the car door can be done safely is mandatory (liable to a fine of $200 plus applicable fees). [And that] No person may open the door of a road vehicle until the vehicle is stopped and certain that it can be done safely, according to article 430.

Around 70 per cent of all ‘dooring’ accidents occurred on roads without bike lanes, and 30 per cent with bike lanes.

However, no accidents were recorded on protected bike lanes.

Inner-city neighbourhoods with on-street parking are most at risk for ‘dooring’ incidents.

The health authority recommends cyclists keep a distance of at least one metre from stationary vehicles.

In addition, “safe cycling infrastructures are necessary to ensure a change in travel behaviour and the [city should] prioritize the implementation of bicycle facilities in central neighbourhoods.”