Advocacy & Safety - why don't cyclists look out for doors?

I admit, sometimes I drive a car. When I do, I'm constantly amazed at the number of cyclists (or just people on bikes...) who are completely oblivious to my door! Of course I always check to make sure I'm not going to door someone after I park, but it seems crazy the way all these people put their lives in my hands. I ride in the city almost every day, and I'm always incredibly careful to stay out of the way of doors, cars leaving parking spaces, driveways, anything like that becaue I've had way to many close calls. How do all these people manage to stay alive?!?

It's the old "between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" dilemma.

Moving cars/Cyclist/Parked Cars sandwich.

I'd guess that most on this forum or who ride frequently are wary of passing too close to a parked car. Those who aren't will forever become acutely aware once a door opens into them.

I too avoid doors as much as possible.
Traffic here isn't bad, but wasn't designed to be biker friendly.
If I must ride near a parked auto I do they same you guys do, look thru the vehicle to check for occupancy. If someone is inside I expect the unexpected. Which is why I HATE tinted windows!
Be safe.

Why do people in cars not look for bikes/cars/etc when opening them on the traffic side? Same reason: people are stupid. Sad, but true!

Good for the OP, always looking. I do too, for my own safety as well as that of others.

I always stay at least 5 feet away from parked cars. Funny thing is I have been yelled at, and honked at for "not riding to the right far enough."

Screw 'em... those folks had no idea of the hazards that car doors can be.

I'll ride in the middle of the street or lane, if need be, to avoid hazards such as car doors.

One of my biggest laughs was seeing Bike Lanes, installed in John Forester's current "home town," the BL are right next to parked autos.

oboeguy... nice sig... seems like I heard that somewhere just recently. :)

Go Lance!

Why do people in cars not look for bikes/cars/etc when opening them on the traffic side? Same reason: people are stupid.Similarly, as I found out a few months back, why don't people in cars look for bikes in the bike lane when they're opening them on the passenger side? I nicely mentioned that there was a pretty hefty fine for opening your door into traffic, so maybe he should double-check next time, and the passenger looked quite ashamed and a little bit thankful. Perhaps there's hope that one day, people might get a little bit smarter.

here is why it's hard to look out for doors around here:

http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~cookt/images/travel/fun_bus/new_york_city_01.jpg

here is why it's hard to look out for doors around here:

http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~cookt/images/travel/fun_bus/new_york_city_01.jpg


Question... how fast is that traffic moving? Is riding between the cars the best way to get around... Yikes, one lane change and you're history.

Question... how fast is that traffic moving? Is riding between the cars the best way to get around... Yikes, one lane change and you're history.

that traffic is moving very slowly. around 15mph stop and go. that is the time's square area which is always pretty congested. there are better streets to ride on in the area, but sometimes you get stuck in stuff like this. it actually feels safer to me than high speed traffic on a less busy road.

I've ridden is traffic similar to that; it's really not as bad as it would seem. As long as you stay totally aware and ride super defensively/aggressively it's ok because the traffic is moving so slowly that it's easy to judge what people are going to do.

I always stay at least 5 feet away from parked cars. Funny thing is I have been yelled at, and honked at for "not riding to the right far enough."

Screw 'em... those folks had no idea of the hazards that car doors can be.

I'll ride in the middle of the street or lane, if need be, to avoid hazards such as car doors.

True. No way am I riding in the door zone. I used to think I could scan for a head in the driver's seat, until I got surprised by a short driver. :rolleyes:

Also...after seeing those NYC streets, I'm sure glad I commute in So Cal!

I try to ride defensively, including to avoid door hazzards.

Years ago, I was cycling to work in San Diego. It was early, about 6 p.m. I was riding too close to a bunch of parked cars. All of a sudden, a girl opened her car door. I just missed her. She cussed me out as a rode down the street. Ever since then, I have been very careful to watch parked cars for sudden door openings.