Scooter rider dies after being 'doored' by car in ByWard Market

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The death of a 66-year-old man on an electric scooter who was run over by a truck after being “doored” in the ByWard Market Monday is a tragic reminder about the dangers cyclists and those on e-bikes face, says an Ottawa safe cycling group.

Ottawa police said the man was riding his scooter northbound on Cumberland Street at about 4:30 p.m. when the driver of a Toyota that had just parked along the curb swung open his door. The man on the e-bike collided with the door and was then thrown off his scooter, where he landed in front of a northbound pick-up truck.

Witnesses reported that the man was dragged several metres before the truck stopped. Firefighters had to lift the truck to free the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A handicap sticker was visible on the back of the scooter.

Police did not release the man’s name Tuesday.

“It is very important for drivers to be aware when they are opening their doors to be looking for cyclists,” said Heather Shearer, a board member with Citizens for Safe Cycling. “Also for drivers overtaking a cyclist – if the space is tight, try to imagine this is a possibility and try to stay back until it is safe to overtake.”

Shearer said drivers need to remember there could be someone on a bike next to their car, even in winter. Winter cycling has become increasingly popular and cyclists are on the road year round, she said.

Shearer said cyclists should give themselves at least a metre from parked cars to help reduce the risk of a collision.

“For cyclists it can be intimidating to stay away from the doors and take the space that you need, but your safety is more important than anyone’s convenience,” said Shearer.

The e-bike rider is the second person to die after being ‘doored’ in Ottawa in the past five years.

Cyclist Danielle Nacu was killed in October 2011 after she was hit with a car door while cycling on Queen Street. The 33-year-old was knocked off her bike and into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

A new law that came into effect in September increased the fine for a driver found guilty of dooring a cyclist to $365 and three demerit points.

No charges have been laid in Monday’s collision, although police are continuing to investigate.

The deadly crash was the second serious collision in Ottawa on Monday.

Earlier in the day, an 87-year-old woman was critically injured after being hit by an OC Transpo bus as she crossed Carling Ave. near the Carlingwood Shopping Mall.

Ottawa police said the woman remained in critical condition in hospital Tuesday.

Police are still investigating and have not laid any charges.

aseymour@ottawacitizen.com

Twitter.com/andrew_seymour

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