At a time when Canadian officials are promoting more physical activity including cycling, the most common kind of cycling accident was caught on video in Montreal. Marie Jacobs says she was lucky to escape with only minor injuries after someone opened their car door into the bike path and she was unable to stop.
The accident was caught on video by another cyclist, Maxime Denoncourt, who was so tired of near misses that he decided to wear a camera on his own helmet. He offered to show police officers the video but they declined saying the driver was sorry and the cyclist should have paid more attention.
Small fines for exceptional cases
Drivers in Montreal can be fined $52 for opening their doors without taking precautions but only if the car is stopped in traffic rather than parked. Accident victims cannot apply for benefits under the province’s automobile insurance plan if the car was parked during the accident. They can however take the driver to civil court and sue for damages.
Jacob was given $200 by the driver but says it does not cover all of her costs. She had to spend the night in hospital but has recovered.
A city councillor running in Montreal’s municipal election in November promises to recommend stricter rules to prevent this kind of accident if he is elected
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.