2012-01-07 - Rider Down/Fatality, Upper Elmers End Road (London)

In no way did I mean to disrespect the man who has lost his life, or indeed anyone who cared for him. I am also not implying that it was in any way his fault. Just that the end result was completely disproportionate to what the lady did wrong in opening her door. As such, the guilt she feels right now must be overwhelming without people jumping on her back. You're right though. It's beside the point on this thread. Sorry for bringing it up.

Let's hope this man's legacy will live on through those that knew him.

The result of opening a car door was disproportionate to the action in this case, which is why that action should always be taken with great care. Being careless is not unlucky, it's reckless.

I was doored years back, got off extremely lightly.

RIP James.

So sorry to hear this
RIP James

I went to place some flowers yesterday, along with the latest offerings from Detective Chief Inspector John Oldham, head of the Road Death Investigation Unit. I expected a roadside memorial of some kind but there was nothing. I didn't know where to put my flowers..

Cyclists who survive Uppper Elmers End Road on the route to the lanes will then encounter the hazards of Layhams Road, where Michael Evans was wiped out by a Range Rover on a Sunday morning last May. I have pursued the Road Death Investigation Unit about this, but the matter is over. It was an 'accident'. I will continue to report every black Range Rover which breaks the law in the West Wickham area to Roadsafe.

The appallingly inaccurate reporting of James Darby's accident is with the Press Complaints Commission.

Update. "was an accident says inquest"

What? She's not going to be prosecuted for what is a clear offence? I thought these cases were clear-cut?

'When he crashed into a stationary blue Fiat Panda' should be 'when the car door crashed into him'.

Hopefully the evidence at the hearing provided a clear and concise reason why she was not prosecuted as it's impossible to understand the decision from a few lines of news print.
As usual, News Shopper readers excell in their comments :(

Put my thoughts here, but I similarly can't understand how that is 'accidental death'. I'd always assuming (and hoped) that the offence was pretty cut and dry.

I'll be cycling even wider away from parked cars on the way home tonight.

RIP James

Do we know for sure if the driver was or wasn't prosecuted? I feel an email to the police / prosecution service coming on.

Opening a car door in a way that endangers any other road user is a clear offence under the Road Traffic Act. I cannot understand why there has been no prosecution in this case.

In recent years carelessly opened car doors have killed twice as many cyclists as have cyclists going through red lights.

Beyond belief, both the reporting and the verdict.