The more cylists, the less accidents OECD

Safety in numbers
The more bikes are around, the less the risk for an accident. To provide safety for cyclist, cities should provide a sufficient bicycle infrastructure. This 2013 OECD reports on "Trends relating to fatalities, injuries and crash rates are presented alongside international data on levels of cycling."

Cycling, Health and Safety, Analysis of international trends in bicycle use and cyclist safety
DOI:10.1787/9789282105955-4-en

In good cities one can cycle to work and education without stress. It appears 'normal' to go to the movies (Babylon) or an ADK concert/ exhibition at the Brandenburg Gate by bike.

Cyclist killed, law breached, driver not charged

 

The recent killing of Alberto Paulon by a car door suggests a problem with law enforcement in relation to cyclists in Victoria.

'Dooring' has been explicitly made an offence because it is dangerous. It is one of the main causes of injuries to cyclists.  It is common when offences are committed which cause death that it is taken seriously by the authorities, e.g. speeding, red lights, etc, - more seriously than when no one is hurt.

In the case of Alberto Paulon no charges were laid apparently because the driver saw "the first bike coming, but didn't see the second bike". Given that almost 2 million people cycle daily in Australia and that more than one of them may be expected on a road at any given time, it is hard to understand the relevance of this. This needs to be explained to the public.

The message that the non-enforcement of the law in this 'incident' sends to car drivers is that killing cyclists with doors is nothing for drivers to be concerned about. No fines, no points lost, no day in court.

One of the purposes of the law is to send messages to the public about the consequences of engaging in acts which are prohibited. This a deterrence. Enforcement is crucial. A court may say that the circumstances demand lenient treatment of the person who killed another as a result of their breach of the law. However for this to happen the person must be charged, not let off.

See also
The car door is potentially a deadly weapon

The car door is potentially a deadly weapon

Alberto Paulon, 25, was knocked to the road when a person in a parked car opened their door, and he was then hit by a passing truck in Melbourne. (source) (video)

Paulon was riding to work. The 'accident' happend in an area where one in ten residents regularly ride to work. (source)

"Car drivers and passengers need to recognise that the car door is potentially a deadly weapon and was in this situation

Victoria Police issued 180 dooring notices in the past 12 months. The fine is $369." (source)

Cyclist groups are pushing for government-backed safety awareness campaigns (source)



In Paul Virilio's dromology there is no 'accident' or even 'incident', there is only an integral accident. The accident is inherent in the set up of the technology and its (fossil fuel) culture.

Paul Virilio: Der eigentliche Unfall. Wien: Passagen 2009, Allem Anfang wohnt ein Unfall inne Buchrezension

see also
Cyclist killed, law breached, driver not charged

Update:
Eliminating the risk of "Dooring": Good cycle infrastructure design keeps cyclists out of the door zone and saves lives, A view from the cyclepath

Separated Cycle Paths in the Netherlands

Physically separated cycle paths. A dream in Utrecht, nl. The physically separated paths from motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic keep the 'accidents' with vehicles to a minimum. The street design morphed in the last 200 years to this walking and cycling-friendly urban environment.



Cycling Amsterdamsestraatweg, Utrecht, Netherlands, via markenlei
via cyclelicious