Star

Cycle alert

8th October 2009 11:00:25 AM

POLICE are urging drivers to open their car doors with care to avoid hitting cyclists in bike lanes.

The request comes after an increasing number of riders have been injured by motorists.

Police said the worst case was when a cyclist was seriously injured after hitting a car door in Melbourne.

The cyclist joined a list of 42 other cyclists injured in similar incidents in the past year.

Inspector Paul Pottage said motorists had to be more vigilant when parking next to bike lanes.

“The simple fact of the matter is drivers have to look out for cyclists before opening car doors,” Inspector Pottage said.

“Cyclists have every right to be in the designated bike lane and should not have to ride in fear because distracted drivers might fail to give way to them.

“Along with pedestrians, cyclists are our most vulnerable road users and if they’re struck by a car door while riding at top speeds, the effects could be fatal.”