Video: Dashcam captures frightening moment a London cyclist was doored by van driver

A dashcam company has released video taken on one of its cameras that shows the moment a cyclist was doored in north London by a van driver.

The incident happened in March on De Beauvoir Road in Islington, reports the London Evening Standard.

The dashcam was in a Volkswagen Jetta car behind the cyclist, with the driver able to stop in time to avoid striking the cyclist.

According to the Standard the cyclist sustained only minor injuries.

Simon March, managing director of VisionTrack, said: “This video captures very clearly the danger faced every day by cyclists from ‘dooring’.

“In this case, the cyclist had an incredibly lucky escape because, as well as being flattened by the door of the van, he could easily have been crushed by the Jetta driver whose dashcam filmed the incident.”

Section 239 of the Highway Code tells motorists, “You must ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door – check for cyclists or other traffic," with offenders facing a maximum fine of £1,000.

Police were not called to the incident, so the van driver will not face charges.

Cycling campaigners have urged motorists to adopt a technique known as the ‘Dutch Reach’ to prevent cyclists from being doored.

> Video: How the 'Dutch Reach' can prevent cyclists being doored

Taught to learner drivers in the Netherlands, it involves the driver opening the car door with the hand that is further away from it – a movement that caused the body to turn, meaning they naturally look behind.

In February, however, transport minister Andrew Jones said there were no plans to make it part of the driving test in the UK.

> Transport minister: No plans to introduce ‘Dutch Reach’ anti-dooring technique to UK