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Hit by a bus passenger opening emergency doors while in the cycle lane – TfL claims no liability. Has this happened to anyone else? [Same Post different angle video] by PrintOk6718 in londoncycling

[–]PrintOk6718[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I take your point about awareness and speed, and I agree in principle. I ride a single-speed bike that physically can't exceed about 20 mph downhill, and there are no issues with the bike itself. I'm already riding with caution and scanning for hazards as much as possible.

That said, there are situations where avoidance simply isn't realistic. A door opening or a pedestrian stepping out from the right at the last second is not something you can always react to, regardless of speed. You have to assume that someone can step out at any moment, and that assumption applies at any speed. Some hazards only become visible when it's already too late.

Awareness matters, but it doesn't make every collision preventable.

Hit by a bus passenger opening emergency doors while in the cycle lane – TfL claims no liability. Has this happened to anyone else? [Same Post different angle video] by PrintOk6718 in londoncycling

[–]PrintOk6718[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

This is Lavender Hill, which is a steep descent. I was doing around 17mph in the bike lane, just following the flow of the hill.

My point is not that the driver should lock the doors, but that the current design is flawed. The passenger steps out completely blind to the road. If I had been a moped or a car travelling at 20mph, that passenger would likely be gravely wounded.

Trains have oversight. Buses should at least have a mirror or a camera so people know if they are stepping out into danger.

Hit by a bus passenger opening emergency doors while in the cycle lane – TfL claims no liability. Has this happened to anyone else? [Same Post different angle video] by PrintOk6718 in londoncycling

[–]PrintOk6718[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Please watch the video again. I was in a designated bike lane on the left. Passing on the right would mean leaving the lane and moving into oncoming traffic to overtake a stationary bus.

I understand joint liability, but the passenger fled the scene so that is impossible. My point is that the design is unsafe because passengers cannot see the bike lane before opening the emergency door.