Safety sticker developed by a Chicago cycling organization,
For those who cycle the streets of Philadelphia it’s a common occurrence: You’re pedaling in your lane when a driver or passenger unexpectedly opens a car door directly into your path. Suddenly you’re forced with a split-second decision: Do I swerve into traffic or hit the door?
Dooring, as it's called, isn't just confined to Philadelphia. It's a national and international problem that can have dire consequences for cyclists. It accounts for many of the bicycle injuries reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Yet there are simple things you can do, to reduce your risks:
1. Recognize that attention is selective. Many drivers are only looking for cars. They may literally never see a bicyclist. If you doubt it, view the video, at the bottom of this page.
2. View every occupied car with caution. People in cars eventually get out of them. Be prepared to stop or move out of the way.
3. Make eye contact in the side mirrors. Catching the driver’s eye in the side-view mirrors is a quick and effective way to signal your presence.
4. Watch for lights. If the brake lights are lit, the car may have just pulled in. At night, watch for interior lights. If you see either, be prepared for the occupants to “de-car.”
5. Be wary of taxis and cars stopped at intersections. These cars are there for a reason; to let passengers out.
6. Steer clear. Whenever possible, ride three or more feet away from parked cars. If you must ride close to parked cars, ride slowly and be prepared for an emergency stop.
Learn more about dooring:
Toronto dooring | Seattle dooring | BMW's cyclist-sensing car door |
View Awareness Test video
For more 101 info:
Bicycle commuting 101: How to ride in how weather |
Bicycle commuting 101: How to deal with motorist rage |
Bicycle commuting 101: Getting started |
Bicycle commuting 101: How to lock your bike
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Email me at onyourbike@gmx.com
Comments
Other suggestions:
USE A FRONT LIGHT at all times. During the day, run the light in blink mode.
Become traffic. If the bike lane is directly to the left of parked cars (in the door zone) and you don't feel comfortable, simply don't use it. Very few cities have laws that mandate you MUST use the bike lane. Since you are a vehicle by law in most states, take the lane and become traffic. This works especially well during slow times of the day, or even busy times when traffic isn't moving faster than the average bike speed.
These are in completely the wrong order. #6 should be #1.
Stay clear of the door! Allow vehicles behind you to pass safely, while you avoid the door zone.
Carol,
If you really want to help people avoid being doored, delete #3 & #4. Bicyclists need to pay attention to the road ahead and other conflicts, not counting heads in parked cars. Change #2 to read "View every parked car with caution" I defy you to identify whether a minivan or SUV is occupied... or any car with tinted windows. Change #6 to read "keep your right handlebar no less than 5 feet from a parked car." Have you ever measured a car door?
And embed the video "Avoiding the Door Zone" by LAB Education Director, Preston Tyree found on youtube under user Wpreston3
Sharing this video could save a life!
I'm glad to see the dooring issue being raised to both cyclists and motorists.
But, my advice, and the only advice that respects the right of a cyclist to travel safely and legally on our streets, is to STAY OUT OF THE DOOR ZONE. Furthermore, 3 feet isn't enough. See the YouTube video titled "Avoiding the Door Zone"
I'll echo what KC wrote.
Since Door Zone Bike Lanes have long been discredited by experienced bicyclists, one has to wonder why they are continually being installed.
And please, get rid of the goofy ball tossing video. It has nothing to do with seeing or not seeing bicyclists.
Check out the great anti-dooring video (www.vabike.org/avoiding-the-door-zone) from Preston Tyree, head of education for the League of American Bicyclists, showing just how far into the lane a cyclist needs to ride to avoid getting doored.
Bike lanes are only as good as the cyclists who use them. Stay alert. Share the path. Bob (up top) had it right.
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