More care needed when cyclists pass cars

April 9th, 2014

A Motueka parent/cyclist/driver is urging cyclists and drivers to take more care when drivers are getting out of their cars, after a near-serious accident on Monday.

Sjors Brouwer emailed us about the incident, saying it was something that he wanted to make the community aware of.

"This morning I cycled down High Street, just before the zebra crossing near Motueka South School," Sjors wrote. "A young man hurried to school on his bike, zoomed past me, close to the curb and popped out from behind a parked car and zoomed past it at speed.

"Just at that moment the driver fully opened her door, the boy tried to avoid it but still clipped it, fell with his head exactly in the middle of the car lane, a car swerved to avoid him, and luckily all went well. It could have been..... well.... the worst."

The incident prompted Sjors "to share with everybody, that we all should continuously work hard to create these following habits":

"Cyclists, look at the parked car, look at the rear view mirror, and know that if you cannot see the mirror, they cannot see you.
"Parents, teach your children this.
"Drivers, here is the best way to exit your car: open it a crack only, put your feet on the road, poke you head out, look,...... and only then get out. Whilst stepping out swiftly, you open the door, and close it again. Never fully open the door in one go.

"Let's all stand still by the good fortune or blessing that this young man is still with us. Let's put some efforts in to change our habits, which is not easy, but will save lives."

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