My wife and child are in Melbourne right now, so I found this a rather interesting and pertinent subject.

She's hugging the curb so close that I can't imagine the man seeing her easily until she's pretty close. Furthermore, any kid would just throw open the door, so it's never wise to assume you can afford to be reckless even if you have the law on your side.

Actually, non-drivers wouldn't think to look at the sideview mirror for CYCLISTS. I would glance out before I open on the walkway side, but certainly not squint at the side mirrors or strain to look behind. If it was the driver's side, I would make certain no vehicles/cyclists are incoming.

Yes their attitude are definitely arrogant. However, I believe they owed her an apology for not helping regardless of who was at fault. The fact that they were dressed in suits simply made them all the more like heartless rich asses.