Addison Lee has partnered with UK Olympic cycling gold medallist Laura Kenny to launch the Addison Lean car-dooring initiative.

The partnership will promote the ‘Addison Lean’ initiative - a manoeuvre which encourages car drivers and passengers to exit the car correctly and protect cyclists from a ‘car-dooring’ accident – where they are hit by a car door being opened carelessly.

The company is calling for the move to be included in the Highway Code after data showed that 65% of UK cyclists have either been involved in a ‘car-dooring’ accident, or know someone that has, with over half of those in an accident (54%) injured as result.

At the same time, the government is pushing for the number of cyclists to double by 2025.

TfL’s director of licensing, charging and regulation Helen Chapman said: “Our Vision Zero approach has the ambitious goal of eradicating deaths and serious injuries from London’s roads by 2041.

"We are investing in safer junctions, removing the most dangerous vehicles from the roads and developing a world-leading bus safety standard.

“However, we can’t achieve our goal alone and need the support of local government, campaigners and the wider transport industry. This initiative by Addison Lee is to be applauded and should set a template for others to follow.

"Educating private hire drivers and their passengers about the perils of opening a car door on a cyclist will help to guard against one of the most common collisions involving those on two wheels.

After incidents involving Addison Lee drivers and cycle couriers, Addison Lee commissioned research to get a picture of the extent of the problem of ‘car-dooring’.

In a poll of 2,000 cyclists:

  • 65% of cyclists surveyed have been involved in a ‘car dooring’ incident themselves, or know someone who has
  • 54% of those involved in an accident are injured; Of these, 78% are either hospitalised, or forced to take time off work
  • 43% of cyclists who have been ‘car-doored’ have considered giving up cycling
  • 84% think it should be included the Highway Code

As well as in-car signage, the company has created wing mirror stickers to remind road users of the manoeuvre

Addison Lee’s chief executive Andy Boland said: “Safety is at the core of what Addison Lee does – not just for passengers, but for drivers, cyclists and all road users.

"With car dooring such a widespread problem, adopting the Addison Lean – a straightforward manoeuvre that protects everyone on the road – makes perfect sense.

“We hope that The Highway Code will also take the Addison Lean on board.”

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