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I got doored, no longer commuting (long, sad story)

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I got doored, no longer commuting (long, sad story)

Old 09-08-06, 11:19 AM
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It's good you called the cops. My worry, if I have an accident, is if the witnesses will stick around long enough to give a statement ("Sorry, gotta get to work ...") and whether the cager, being in a motor vehicle, will just take off after the accident. Good to hear both worked out for you.

Man, be glad NYC has public transit that works. I don't know if resident NYCers like or hate the system, but when I was there, it was like paradise; buses/trains run all night, come frequently, make good stops, it's cheap ... compared to around here. If I were to give up cycling, I'd have to get a car. No way to do it with VTA/Caltrain unless you have 2 hours to spare for every trip, and ten bucks to get up to the city and back. Don't sweat the not-biking thing. If you want to start doing it again, you should. If you don't, you shouldn't.
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Old 09-08-06, 11:22 AM
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Here's a link to some info from Trans Alt specifically for getting doored:
https://www.transalt.org/features/doored.html

You might have some further options to get some compensation out of the asshats who doored you.

Hope you heal up soon and its your body and your decision on how you get it to work in the morning.
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Old 09-08-06, 11:43 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by FormerBMX'er
I agree with the reduced speed part because it's not always possible to avoid door zones.
Always possible, but not allways practicable or safe, I agree. (Although a lot people would be surprised because what they consider a suicide attempt IS practicable and safe while something they think is safe is extremely dangerous - but that's another issue.) But if you do ride in the door zone for whatever reason, you shouldn't just be flying at 20+mph and pretending the parked cars are not there and then be surprised and angry and label cycling as unsafe when you're hit with a door.
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Old 09-08-06, 03:43 PM
  #29  
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Sorry to hear about your accident OP. If you were riding on Canal St., that street's way too crowded to not be riding in the door zone. Taking a lane will just get you stuck in traffic. Keep on riding, even if it's in the park.

I've seen the same guy try to door two different people in succession. First he tried dooring a cyclist, but missed and when he missed he tried to door another car. After he doored the car, he just walked off and didn't look at all sorry for what he did.
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Old 09-08-06, 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by bbonnn

Man, be glad NYC has public transit that works. I don't know if resident NYCers like or hate the system, but when I was there, it was like paradise; buses/trains run all night, come frequently, make good stops, it's cheap ... compared to around here.
we complain about it from time to time...but overall i doubt anyone really hates it. personally i think it's a tremendous resource for the area....although talk to me on a sunday evening when i want to get home and i've been waiting 45 mintues for a train only to be redirected because of construction.
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Old 09-08-06, 05:35 PM
  #31  
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Glad to hear you are going to be OK, and good job on handling it.

However, I am curious as to what you will do if you slip on a subway platform or even get mugged. Can you work from home? Only you can make the decsion on what is acceptable risk. But I think commuting by bike is at least as safe as by car and public transit would be marginally better. Not taking into account the long term health benefits from regular cardiovascular excersise. Of course taking that shower at home is probably statistically as dangerous as biking too.

In any case, good luck.
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Old 09-08-06, 05:54 PM
  #32  
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I almost got doored once on my old 20". I was going about 20 mph (really fast ) and suddenly BOOM a Lexus door opens right in front of me. I was less than 10 inches from crashing into it. Expensive car, too.
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Old 09-08-06, 09:40 PM
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I got doored in Boston last night. Luckily nothing happened to my bike and I only have a few bruises.
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Old 09-08-06, 10:12 PM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by joejack951
It is much easier and safer to just not ride next to parked cars than to try and peer through the windows and each and everyone looking for heads.
It's true you should stay out of the door-zone, but it's still a good idea to be vigilant about people in the driver's seat because the vehicle may also pull out from the curb.
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Old 09-08-06, 10:49 PM
  #35  
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Geez! That stinks. Glad to hear you're okay though. +1 for getting the police there and getting witnesses to hang around. It will at least create a paper trail should you need to go to court.

I have to know though, did you flip over the door, go through the window, or what?
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Old 09-08-06, 11:40 PM
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Originally Posted by jayhuse
The problem where you live is there is just too many people, too much poverty and crime. Thus you have to watch yourself at every corner.

jay
No disrespect intended, but you obviously know nothing about NYC if you believe any part of that comment to be true. Don't believe the 30-year-old media stereotypes. NYC has some of the lowest per capita crime and highest income levels in the entire US. And if you've ever visited the Big Apple, you'd know that New Yorkers are the most tolerant, caring, and humane people on the planet when the chips are down.
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Old 09-08-06, 11:49 PM
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Originally Posted by cooperwx
...and they happen in cars as much or more than on bikes. I guess taking the subway would keep you from getting into an accident on the street. .
Accidents often happen to pedestrians as well. Subways though can be a haven for muggers. Better just to stay in bed the rest of your life...but you could choke on some food someone brought to you while in bed. Ah to hell with it, go out and live life to the fullest and not worry about every little thing that can happen too you, because they will anyways!
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Old 09-09-06, 12:05 AM
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You sound like some kind of fairy boy. Oh my god, you get into one little accident, and you're calling the halt on everything. If it was really yourlifestyle, you certainly wouldn't be stopping. You my friend, are a grade A # 1 Vagina. If I can pull 2 tours in Iraq, stand up a division of Iraqi soldiers, and withstand carbombs for 2 years, you8 can certainly withstand a dooring. So man up you little cooze.
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Old 09-09-06, 12:43 AM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by thelazywon
You sound like some kind of fairy boy. Oh my god, you get into one little accident, and you're calling the halt on everything. If it was really yourlifestyle, you certainly wouldn't be stopping. You my friend, are a grade A # 1 Vagina. If I can pull 2 tours in Iraq, stand up a division of Iraqi soldiers, and withstand carbombs for 2 years, you8 can certainly withstand a dooring. So man up you little cooze.
You assume the risks you feel are necessary, he'll assume the risks he feels are necessary. Lay off him.
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Obviously, the guy's like a 12th level white wizard or something. His mere presence is a danger to mortals.
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Old 09-09-06, 06:07 AM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by Flimflam
I hope the dude without a licence gets his dues, and thank goodness for stupid criminals.
Given that whoever opens a car door is/should be responsible for making sure it is safe,why is a license required to open a parked car's door or sit inside? The car presumably was not being driven at the time of the incident. The driver's license is a non-issue.
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Old 09-09-06, 09:29 AM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by threephi
No disrespect intended, but you obviously know nothing about NYC if you believe any part of that comment to be true. Don't believe the 30-year-old media stereotypes. NYC has some of the lowest per capita crime and highest income levels in the entire US. And if you've ever visited the Big Apple, you'd know that New Yorkers are the most tolerant, caring, and humane people on the planet when the chips are down.
That is absolutely true. I've spent two vacations in NYC over the past few years. It is an awsome place. Most people there are extremely friendly and helpful. I never once felt unsafe walking, biking or riding the bus or subway by myself or with others anytime. Even in sketchy neighborhoods just don't act stupid and you'll be fine. Chicago seems pretty similar to me also in this regard. I've fallen asleep by myself on the EL during a late night ride for probably close to a half hour and woke up still intact so its not that bad.
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Old 09-09-06, 10:00 AM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by jayhuse
The problem where you live is there is just too many people, too much poverty and crime. Thus you have to watch yourself at every corner.
The average salary in manhattan is what, $175k/yr? How much do you make?
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Old 09-09-06, 10:16 AM
  #43  
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second post on a cycling website and i feel like i have to challenge an extremely sexist comment.

on behalf of those with a grade A vagina, i would like to say that i sincerely hope that there is couselling help available for those who have seen such violence and devastation. it's a shame that the worst thing you say to a man, is to call him a woman.

i would also like to say that these kinds of incidences are exactly why we need more (skilled) cyclists on the road, not less. saying that, i know how it feels to feel like your life has been threatened, and that has made me a much more cautious rider.

don't let the bastards get you down! ride safe, and be prepared!
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Old 09-09-06, 12:59 PM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by NeezyDeezy
I have been biking to work from brooklyn to chelsea and back for a while now, and I've had a lot of close calls, but today it finally happened. I was in Chinatown on my way back home, obeying all traffic laws, NOT WEAVING through cars, and BOOM, the driver of a van opened his door right in front of me. I was going quickly, and I didn't have to time to even apply the breaks.

Full on collision.

It knocked me out and I found myself on the pavement with a bunch of people around. I got up and checked myself out. My ribs felt funny, and I couldn't breathe that well. I moved my bike out of the street.

The person who had been in the driver's seat had disappeared, and a woman had taken his place. I thought this was very shady. I motioned for her to get out, and she proceeds to cuss me out. I was shocked, but surprisingly calm and civil. While I am gathering my surroundings, she's yelling over and over, "you're fault! you're fault!"

To make a long story short, I calmly demanded that we call the police and file a report because I wasn't sure if I would end up having any injuries. At this point she got very nervous. She told me that I ****ed up her car and had to pay. When I told her that she was not even in a position to see what had happened because she wasn't on the driver's side, and she told me that she had been driving and saw exactly what had happened. She claimed that I was weaving through cars and slammed into her car to avoid traffic. There actually had not been another car anywhere near us (THANK GOD). The police came, and several witnesses corroborated my story. It turned out the driver didn't have a license.

I have 3 bruised ribs and a terribly scraped up bruised wrist.

At this point, I am not sure what is going to happen next, but I do know that I won't be commuting by bicycle any more. I do not mean this as advice, it's only a personal decision.

I got lucky.

I absolutely hate it, but I just can't take any more risks like this. For a while now, in the back of my mind I knew I had been throwing the dice everytime I biked, but I have to own up to it: this city just doesn't have the infrastructure or willpower to support this way of life I'd like. It's not my fault, but I have to look out for my best interests. Until it's safer, I'll take the subway.

The only advice I give to other people is that if you are EVER in ANY kind of accident, always contact the police, no exceptions. Because of the adrenaline, I didn't even realize I had hurt my wrist until several minutes later. Calling the police will be your one and only recourse. Also, make sure one or two witnesses stick around in case you encounter one of these people who will tell any lie to protect their own interests.

Sorry to make a thread that is such a bummer, but I thought you might prefer that I shared it. Goodnight, and be safe.
If you were unconsious, even for a couple of seconds, you should be checked for a possible concussion, before you quit all together, wait until you heal up, then go do the same ride, it's one of the best things you can do for your own mind.

You need to always assume, that if you can not see inside a vehicle, that it is occupied, that the driver is not paying attention, and that they will open their door, just before you pass. A car door takes up 1m, so you need to make sure that the right side handlebar is over 1m (3'3") from the door. If that means being in the middle of the travel lane, and blocking traffic behind you, then so be it. It's one of the problems with bike lanes, they often occupy the door zone, so in places where there are bike lanes, there should not be on street parking, or there needs to be a 1m DMZ between the parked cars and the bike lane.
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Old 09-09-06, 01:43 PM
  #45  
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You know, I mean in no way to preech, but this is one more nail in the coffin to reaffirm my beliefs of what this country has become in the last 30 years. I grew up in a town in the country on a farm. I was raised with three very important values in life. God, Country, and Family. I was always taught the importance of accepting responsibility for ones actions, and work hard to correct ones mistakes.

My, how things have changed. Of almost everyone I now know, it's no longer about God, Country, and Family.

Now, it's about, Me, Me, and ME!!!
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Old 09-09-06, 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Patriot
My, how things have changed. Of almost everyone I now know, it's no longer about God, Country, and Family.
It never really was for the most part. People just like to tell themselves this because it makes it easier to blame everyone else for society's problems.
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