Transport minister Chris Grayling knocks down cyclist

Last week was a long one for transport minister, Chris Grayling. Days after complaining to Cycling Weekly that cycle lanes in London “cause too much of a problem for road users”, he opened the door of his ministerial Land Rover into the path of a cyclist.

Grayling sent regular cyclist Jaiqi Liu flying into a lamppost only yards from the Place of Westminster in an incident that was captured on video by another cyclist.

One day we’ll have a transport minister who cycles to work, but in the meantime, If drivers or passengers must leave a vehicle when sitting in traffic, should open the door with the hand furthest away from the door. This forces them to look over their shoulder at traffic coming from behind. In the Netherlands this technique forms part of the driving test.

Doors opened into the road by car drivers and passengers who have failed to look have potentially fatal consequences for cyclists. Given how much is at stake for cyclists, however, it is in the interests of those on two wheels to look out for themselves. Cyclists can and should follow the three feet rule when passing parked cars. Leaving a door width between yourself and a line of parked cars is the only way to guarantee you are not at risk of being knocked off your bike in this way.

We all appreciate space. Give parked cars a wide berth when overtaking.

Car door crashes and the law

Those in cars have a legal responsibility to look carefully before opening a door into the road. Our legal team recently received the following question;

A passenger in my car (who has fully comp car insurance on their own car) opened my car’s passenger door into the path of a cyclist causing injury. Who is liable in the case of claim for personal injury?

In most cases the other party will pursue your insurance company as the passenger was in your vehicle and your car is insured for this purpose. Your insurance company would be obliged to settle the claim. You or your insurer might then chose to pursue the passenger of your vehicle, however the passenger’s own comprehensive policy is unlikely to pay out as it is ordinarily restricted to the insured vehicle, not the insured person. In some circumstances a person may hold a comprehensive insurance policy that covers them for any vehicle; however these policies are rare in recent years.

Environmentally friendly cycle insurance

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes protection against theft, accidental damage and vandalism. And if you are unfortunate to be injured on the roads, such as in a door opening incident as above, our legal team can claim compensation on your behalf.

For over 26 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. We have been voted Britain’s most ethical insurer this year. Whether you use your bike to commute, shop, race or amble in the park, ETA Cycle Insurance has you covered. We never devalue bikes no matter their age, we allow you to buy a replacement bike wherever you like, we replace stolen quick release components and we handle claims in-house. Can your insurance provider say the same?

Furthermore, every cycle insurance policy you buy helps support the work of the ETA Trust, our charity campaigning for a cleaner, safer transport future.