Car door awareness ride 'keeps memory of son alive'

Sam Boulton's father described him as "very relaxed" and "witty"

The family of a cyclist who died after being "car-doored" say an annual cycling event in his memory "keeps him alive".

Sam Boulton died on his 26th birthday after he was knocked into the path of a moving van by a taxi door in London Road, Leicester, in July 2016.

The annual Ride for Sam event, which takes place on Saturday, raises awareness of the Sam Says campaign to educate drivers about safely opening car doors using the "Dutch Reach" method.

Sam's father, Jeff Boulton, 60, told the BBC: "I know if [the Dutch Reach] had been adopted here, some would be alive today - it's such a simple thing."

The safety technique, introduced in the Netherlands more than 50 years ago, was a response to deaths and accidents caused by doors being suddenly opened on cyclists.

The method involves opening the door with the hand furthest from the handle, which means it is easier for the passenger or driver to look over their shoulder and check the side mirror for cyclists.

In the Netherlands it is taught to children at school and is part of the driving test.

After campaigning by Sam Says, the Highway Code now includes guidance on the "Dutch Reach".

Jeff, from Wigston in Leicestershire, said he would like to see the method taught to learner drivers in the UK.

Jeff Boulton says the Ride for Sam event keeps the memory of his son alive

He described his son, who was a teacher in Coalville, Leicestershire, as a "very relaxed" and "witty" person.

"He was just a relaxed man. Nothing fazed him," Jeff added.

"He just knew which route he was going in life."

The Ride for Sam event starts from the Curve Theatre from 18:00 BST and has been held annually since the year of Sam's death.

The route is likely to include Melton Road and Loughborough Road, Jeff said.

It culminates with a bike lift, where riders hold their bike above their heads, to commemorate Sam's life.