Man in court over cyclist's death on Tamaki Drive

Jane Bishop was one of five cycle fatalities over a week in November last year. Photo / Dean Purcell

The driver who opened his door on Auckland's Tamaki Drive and allegedly caused the death of a cyclist has appeared in court.

Glenn Hilton Becker, 36, was remanded on bail when he appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday.

He has been charged with careless use of a car causing the death of cyclist Jane Mary Bishop on November 17 last year. The British nurse swerved to avoid the opening car door and was killed by a truck.

Becker appeared briefly in court before a registrar. His lawyer Kevin Brosnahan sought a remand.

Ms Bishop's death was one of five cycle fatalities over a week in November last year.

The string of deaths heightened public awareness over cycle safety. Cycle Action Auckland spokeswoman Barbara Cuthbert said someone was "doored" in Auckland every day of the week. She said most of the incidents of "dooring" resulted in injuries, not death, but these were often debilitating.

Ms Cuthbert said even she had opened her car door without looking. "I've done it. I'd be the first person to put my hand up."

She said motorists needed to think of cyclists as their neighbours, brothers or sisters. "If we start thinking of cyclists as people, we will care about them."

The Transport Agency says it is working with the Cycle Advocates Network and BikeNZ to run workshops for cyclists, bus drivers and truck drivers to help them understand each other's needs on the road.