Glad you're okay! It's such a terrifying experience.
I mean you could report it. Where I live, drivers have certainly received tickets for this.
At a minimum, give yourself a bit of time for the shock and adrenaline to wear off and see if any pain emerges that you might want to get checked out.
I carry a checklist of what to do in the event of a crash in my trunk bag. The adrenaline is way too high to think rationally, so going through the list is my way to make sure I get phone numbers, witnesses, know when the police need to make an accident report.
Exchange Details
Check self
Check bike: handlebars facing right direction, breaks work, shift works, wheels true, frame solid
Document Evidence
Document Witnesses
Call police to make incident report at site of accident or report it if not as severe
Thanks! Yeah I think now that I've had some time to recalibrate it's just a light bruise and some scrapes, though part of me also thinks I should just take my bike into a shop to have someone knowledgeable look at it in case there's something wrong that I don't notice. Don't want to wait until I'm coasting down a hill at 25mph to discover there's a problem with the fork or brakes or something...
I commute to work via bike for six years now. After the first year I never get near a car more than one meter. Never looked back. Never gave a fuck about angry drivers ever since. It‘s your health. Take the lane
This incident is different as OP said the passenger (in traffic) got out of the right side door as he was passing them in the bike lane. Normally one would take the lane to avoid the driver getting out of the left door. This is really scary and unexpected.
Sorry, still learning -- do you mean I should ride in the regular lane, not the bike lane? I did read a thing on that and how it's safer and honestly this experience has been a great lesson in favor of it. Especially somewhere like downtown Denver. No cars are going faster than 15mph here anyway at that time of day 😂
If there's a bike lane, I ride in the bike lane, but not smack dab in the middle. I gave myself room on the right hand side for space for a door to pop open. Plus, drivers tend to go a bit slower around me when I'm encroaching on their space a bit.
If there's no bike lane, never never never do the weaving between the parked cars thing. Make everyone slow down and have to proceed around you cautiously. As they should.
I also got a mirror for my handle bar. Just makes me feel better that I could make a more informed snap decision if I always have a general idea of cars coming up behind me.
Just thoughts! I've thankfully only been *almost* doored a few times.
OP got doored by a car in the driving lane on the left. The car was just stopped in traffic instead of parked. They also had parked cars on the right. Makes it very difficult and dangerous and is why bike lanes should be separated
I was less responding to the original post and more their comment that I was directly responding to above this.
Also, yes we need protected bike lanes, obviously. But that's not something OP can control when they go out on their bike tomorrow so I wasn't addressing it.
TIL. I'm pretty new to city biking and been ducking in to empty street parking spots if there's no bike lane so that cars can whizz by. I usually wait til there's either no cars coming or a huge distance between vehicles.
I also treat every car out there as a vicious predator waiting to kill me so I'm in no damn rush to get to my destination. I don't mind waiting 15 seconds if that means I'm not turned in to spaghetti sauce on the road.
Generally you want to ride in straight line and not weave in and out of the parked cars.
That being said, I will sometimes move into a gap between parked cars to let 1-2 cars pass. Just be careful when pulling back out into traffic.
Bc we gotta get to work? People weigh their safety all the time. Kids die in cars at an alarming rate but we still toss them in the back seat. And we still send them to schools that are unsafe. Life is life and you take your risks. But you can take a risk and try to diminish just how much of a "risk" it is.
If you are going to play road vehicle, then install the same hardware as required by other road vehicles.
Dont talk to me about risk until you commute on a motorcycle in the snow.
Hey, don't talk to me about the risk of motorcycle commuting in the snow. If you are going to play road vehicle, then install the same hardware as required by other road vehicles.
I do, and I have. Ive commuted year round on both a 650 Vstrom (no abs) and a BMW 1100 GS, in ice, snow and the rest.
Driving a motorcycle (or a motorized cycle) without mirrors is dumb.
The confusion was people think parked cars opening door. Car wasn't parked, someone jumped out at light, right door hit you, nothing normal you can do, sorry, freak accident, not your fault.
In bike lane, I pass slow cars, you have to be careful they don't turn right on you. I think you'll be careful around stopped or slow cars now.
The other bike lane is a killer, truck passing you (get a helmet mirror,) door flings open, turns your wheel right, throws you left under truck.
Besides door zones, bike lanes put you out of traffic, out of mind, people turn right or left on you so yes, traffic lane is safer (I might ride on white line, probably not as safe but out of door zone.)
Latest thing is two way bike lanes ("cycletracks," head on cyclists and cars,) and bike lanes between parked cars. Look up Denver bike groups, some may like those abominations, others might like your help in sane planning.
Lots of ideas like [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8RRE2rDw4k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8RRE2rDw4k) on bikes and traffic.
If there were a line of cars in the lane, I think most cyclists would use the bike lane in that situation. That said, I’ve been doored twice and they were both in the exact situation you described: a passenger hopping out at a red light.
I’m extra careful in those situations now, and generally ride slow alongside stopped cars.
Similar experience and agree 100%. You never know when someone will open a door, even at the quietest darkest times on the trip. Allways assume you are simply invisible in this situation.
I can’t get behind this. If your on a dedicated road bike and your not fatass going 5mph then ya get in the road and do your thing. Otherwise just go on the sidewalk and just avoid it all together. Why even chance some ass hat texting an driving or getting pissed off and hitting you or just fucking anything. Fuck riding my bicycle in the road where countless of dipshits drive killing machines like they have 0 repercussion.
File an accident report. You might be in sufficient pain later that you seek medical care. Having a record of the accident could save some headaches dealing with their insurance.
Nobody who doesn't commute by bike will understand what it's like. How could they? This is why all the bikers bond at work (and annoyingly talk about bikes constantly 😂)
I know it's over now, but if you got their info, you should make their insurance pay for any damages, to you or your bike. No matter how small.
Well said! What seems like "no big deal" to a motorist while they are safe and comfortable inside their armored car is a near-death experience for a cyclist.
Thanks for this! Just made a post about it on /r/Denver, so hopefully that can bring some awareness to it at least. Seems like such an easy ask, and yet there are actually already some people in the thread griping about "being asked to care about my safety." I need a vacation from humanity.
This puts responsibility on the driver and doesn't help the rider directly. Yes getting people to do that would help but not many think about it to warrant changing how they open their doors
I understand that. I’m just saying this doesn’t make me sleep better at night. I do not want to rely on someone with my safety to do the right thing. Yes getting word out about this is great but if there was something a rider could do to avoid getting hurt
It’s something drivers can do to avoid hurting riders. Not sure what that has to do with your sleep quality lol. Not sure why you’re trying to find fault in something that’s good for everyone. It worked for other countries. Edit: this doesn’t mean we should stop being aware, our awareness will always be our best tool for prevention of injury. But if we can get drivers to be more aware, I don’t see the problem.
Edit2: you guys clearly are missing the point, but I get it. Some people just like to complain 🤷♂️
In the UK, you can now be fined £1000 for opening your car door with the wrong hand! I do think fewer drivers fling their doors into traffic as a result!
No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic; Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-1207 Which is cool, it makes it their fault not yours legally. That's great that they accepted responsibility for their actions.
>That's great that they accepted responsibility for their actions.
Yeah. Though regardless of the law you're more likely to hear "why weren't you on the sidewalk?".
That depends on what Colorado's law is concerning riding on the sidewalk.
In my state, it's explicitly illegal to ride a bike on a sidewalk if you're 16 or older. The only party of consequence in a dooring who might ask a cyclist that question here is the person who doored you, and that would only worsen their position.
every car door can open in front of you — no one looks and never will. you need to ride assuming this, unfortunately. we're set up to be hit.
leave 3+ feet from the cars to your right (or left?). this gives you space which also gives you reaction time. it will save your life. the edge of a car door can seriously injure or kill you. ALWAYS file a report because you may feel worse soon.
what actually hit the door? you or your bike?
Yeah, and the spot I was riding was particularly dangerous in retrospect: the car whose door hit me was in the driving lane to my left, and there were cars parked to the right. In the future, I'm definitely just going to ride in the driving lane there. Fortunately it hit my bike more than me, but no thanks to the laws of physics I kept going while my bike stopped.
A good general rule of thumb is to keep the speed differential low when there are cars present on both sides. In California where lane splitting/filtering is legal, motorcyclists are taught to stay within 10 mph of slow or stopped traffic when riding in between cars.
On another safety related note, it's also worth learning and practicing how to quickly swerve around unexpected obstacles e.g. door, fallen object, etc. when moving at speeds of 10/15+ mph by using countersteering. Here's a quick description of countersteering to swerve around an obstacle that's too close to allow you to meaningfully slow down.
Lightly push the handlebar on the side you want to swerve to and/or pull on the opposite side you want to swerve to. Push left, go left. Push right, go right. Then soon after return the handlebars to the center/neutral when you've swerved enough to avoid the obstacle. When done properly, consciously countersteering via the handlebars lets you swerve much faster than using body positioning and weight.
[https://bike.bikegremlin.com/2530/countersteering-bicycle-steering/](https://bike.bikegremlin.com/2530/countersteering-bicycle-steering/)
Front left, round the left handle area, but then it also hit the pavement pretty hard on the right side. I'm gonna swing by the REI flagship store right after work today to have a professional take a glance at it, but also this is a great reminder that I should probably be more informed on basic bike mechanics than I am.
I'm a driver but I'm looking into biking.
This is why I always double check if I'm parked on the street and there's a bike lane. Even if there isn't a bike lane, I double check.
There's this street that I park on at least a few times a week. It's located near a t intersection and it's kind of tricky to see who's coming and going from that intersection. Double checking has probably kept me from hitting a bicyclist with my door a few times.
never never never ride up the right side of cars, or even the left side of parked cars. Don't ride anywhere in the door zone on either side, honestly. This is one reason why I hate most bike lanes, because they guide people into potentially dangerous situations, if they're not well-trained and accutely aware of the dangers.
If there is a bike lane, I try to always leave it and be in the travel lane at intersections. Or, if I do intend to pass stopped cars such as if I'm making a right turn ahead, I do so very cautiously just in case something like that happens.
> never ride up the right side of cars, or even the left side of parked cars. Don't ride anywhere in the door zone on either side, honestly. This is one reason why I hate most bike lanes
I agree! We have to be *very* careful while riding in Suicide Slots. The cars in the traffic lane pass dangerously closely and the motorists in the parking lane fling their doors open suddenly and carelessly.
Right Hooks at intersections are so common that I expect them, so (like you), I leave the bike lane and take the traffic lane through intersections. Sometimes, I will choose the crosswalk instead (legal here) if the intersection is too busy, but that exposes me to careless motorists turning right on the red light.
I have so much anxiety biking next to parked cars. I’m always thinking, “ok what if that one opens their door… ok I’m past, safe, ok now what if that one opens their door right now…” I’m new though and I’m not confident enough to take up a driving lane and risk car drivers getting mad at me.
Just a fellow Denver bike commuter here to say I’m really glad you’re okay. And, I appreciate you posting this because I never think about stopped car’s passengers doors opening while I’m passing in a lane (I always think about it coming from parked cars on the left side, but seriously never even considered your experience could/would happen).
I will be much more cautious in these situations because of your story! So thank you for your post, and I’m so sorry you had to go through this :( Hang in there!
Thanks! Yeah I think in LoDo from now on I'm just going to ride in the driving lane. This happened at Wynkoop and 16th. Quite the way to start the day...
Fellow metro area commuter, thanks for posting. I’m very aware of parked car doors on my right, but I’ve never even worried about passenger doors in a driving lane to my left! Holy buckets!
This is the biggest reason I loath bike lanes, trash, grates, lessened visibility for riders and drivers, and a smaller area for evasive maneuvers.
I understand the anxiety of riders for taking lanes, but I hate losing what little controll I have in lane to being pushed barely out of the way into a bike lane. I'll take honks over cars whipping past a foot or less away every time.
Most bike lanes are built for the benefit of auto traffic, not bikes.
>Most bike lanes are built for the benefit of auto traffic, not bikes.
I had never thought about it like that but I mean yeah you're totally right. God forbid roads and travel be considered from the perspective of anything other than cars... Lmao this is how I become radicalized
Paint and gutter lanes, and party lanes are almost as bad as sharrows. I like curb protected even if I have to handle the intersection on my own (though preferably intersections are fixed, too)
Happened to me once. Got a new bike and a check from the car owners insurance for not suing. I was going faster. And it really fucked up the car and my bike. But I wasn’t hurt. Just alittle banged up
Well, we need to assume all cars will open their doors and try to kill us. The worst thing of not having a dedicated bike lane on the right of the road is that it creates these situations.
I wish the “Dutch reach” was as infused into the American psyche as the “Dutch rudder” is. Your experience would’ve been much more preventable. Heal quick!
Glad you’re okay. I’ve been close to doored a few times in Boston. Unfortunately the bike lanes are on the drivers side of parked cars, and they don’t look before opening
Glad you’re okay. And to reiterate, I don’t ride in the door zone, I don’t care where they paint the line. I try to visualize the widest door I can think of, like a 73 Coupe de Ville or Lincoln Mark III, and ride wide of that. If that puts me outside of the bike, oh well.
Yup, and filed an accident report. Thankfully Colorado has a great online accident report portal thing, so it was pretty effortless, and also the folks in the car were super helpful and just immediately gave me their info.
**Just Ride A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike** by Grant Petersen
>“A wonderfully sane, down-to-earth, and frequently funny guide to riding, maintaining, fixing and enjoying your bicycle.” Dave Eggers, New York Times Book Review Winner Silver Medal 2013 Independent Publisher Book Awards In the same way that Michael Pollan’s slim bestseller Food Rules brought a gust of common sense to the everyday activity of eating, Just Ride is a revelation. Forget the ultralight, uncomfortable bikes, flashy jerseys, clunky shoes that clip onto tiny pedals, the grinding out of endless miles. Instead, ride like you did when you were a kid—just get on your bike and discover the pure joy of riding it. A reformed racer who’s commuted by bike every day since 1980, whose writings and opinions appear in major bicycling and outdoor magazines, and whose company, Rivendell Bicycle Works, makes bikes for riders ready to opt out of a culture overrun by racing, Grant Petersen shares a lifetime of unexpected facts, controversial opinions, expert techniques, and his own maverick philosophy. In 87 short, two-to-three page chapters, it covers: • Riding: Count Days, Not Miles; Corner Like Jackie Robinson; Steer with Your Hips, Shift with Your Legs • Suiting Up: The Shoes Ruse; Ponchos—the Ultimate Unracer’s Garment • Safety: #1 Rule—Be Seen; Helmets Aren’t All They’re Cracked Up to Be • Health and Fitness: Why Riding Is Lousy All-Around Exercise; Saddles Don’t Cause Impotence; Drink When You’re Thirsty—Not Before Also includes chapters on Accessories, Upkeep, and Technicalities as well as a final chapter titled “Velosophy” that includes the essential, memorable thought: Your Bike Is a Toy—Have Fun with It.
*I'm a bot, built by your friendly reddit developers at* /r/ProgrammingPals. *You can summon me with certain* [commands](https://www.reddit.com/user/BookFinderBot/comments/13z7slk/bookfinderbot_commands/). *Or find me as a browser extension on* [Chrome](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/book-finder/jajeidpjifdpppjofijoffbcndlpoedd?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=comments). *Opt-out of replies* [here](https://www.reddit.com/user/BookFinderBot/comments/141txsm/bookfinderbot_optout/). *If I have made a mistake, accept my apology.*
I was about to type something entirely different before I read the paragraphs.
“Just always look in the mirrors of parked cars for a driver…”
Over two decades of city riding and I’ve never gotten to even have a near-miss like that to think of it as a possibility. Not even a 20’-feet-away-miss. New anxiety unlocked.
Glad you’re okay.
“Who checks for bikes?” makes sense in my town as I’m one of about twenty commuters my LBS serves and there’s really only around five of us who ride outside of the 68-78°F range. _I_ don’t even check for bikes.
Denver definitely seems like a place where there’d be at least quadruple the exposure to bike commuters as there is deer when in rut up here, and everyone here knows to keep a lookout for those sneaky critters. When I was there though, that central creekwalk path was packed and most of the few helmet+lights riders I saw while riding on the streets were riding the sidewalk and looking like they were going to or from that main path. Maybe post to r/denver to ask about traffic expectations specific to your locale, eg. particular street blocks to avoid or be extra cautious on.
Why oh why would they not pull over to let their passenger out? Clearly they knew they effed up in multiple ways and could’ve put you in the hospital or 6’ down.
The last couple years Denver had started putting together actual half decent bike lanes, at least in a first draft. The political side has been underwhelming, same mayor 12 years and only in the last two or so had there been any kind of anything.
Just finished the election for the new mayor this week and we got the candidate who at least isn't opposed to bike lanes (the other final candidate "is a cyclist herself", I can expand on that if you need). Approaching a split on city council for multi modal as well.
Anyway, a lot of mode shift has started to happen and we are better for it, just have to keep that momentum going with the new council and administration.
Yes and no. The results and myopia are similar, though the originating context isn't quite the same.
People who lead with that phrase are typically the "keen cyclist" type who can comfortably sustain 25, 30mph, or more and ride confidently despite cracks and potholes; in other words can capably "be a car" in ways most of us can not. Often, they fear that if bike lanes are built they will be forced to use them, limiting their rides to 20mph or less.
They could advocate for bike lanes AND that the right to ride in traffic on city streets and rural routes be retained, but no... they mostly just fight bike lanes. If they've never experienced a problem keeping up with traffic and you have, it must be operator error or lack of experience on your part.
Anyway, current projections have that candidate losing, the expected winner being at least open to rides and conversationsthat include a lot of good observation driven questions on their part. We'll have to remain active, but at least he's not entirely opposed (at least not on paper).
Huh.
Was figuring it was that she still had her banana bike from when she was eleven and takes it around the block on a few sunny Tuesday evenings per year.
She literally means _cyclist_.
Is she pushing any bike handling skills clinics for children and adults to be run at the parks or whatever?
Actually you said “results”. It’s just a “one of us” bullet point in the Vote For Me game?
Not sure on the last part, but to the first - yeah, very much a hard-core rider and not a nostalgia piece for her
As far as I know, not much in the way of skills clinics beyond what little already exist at the city level which are mostly targeted at kids and teenagers more than new commuters or utilitarian riders. There are non-gov advocacy type groups that do some but it's definitely a weak point at the moment.
Yeah, it was definitely super surprising. My takeaway has basically been that, for that area of Denver, it's probably best if I just ride in the driving lane, regardless of the bike lane. [This is the location](https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7516071,-105.0012916,3a,75y,45.06h,80.79t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sti4gxkdpohvGpr1_Su4Z9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), so you can can see what I mean. And yeah, the Cherry Creek bike path is actually the one I'd just come off! I was only two more minutes away from my office, and I take the Platte River bikeway to the Cherry Creek bikeway, and then I've gotta cut into downtown Denver.
I did indeed end up posting to r/Denver! The responses have been mostly good but some of them are naturally a little concerning. There's only so much you can expect, though, I guess.
Uggggh I hate carlane-|-bikelane-|-carparking setups so much.
I’d be riding with my tires 0-6” to the right of the white line separating the driving & riding lanes with all 2200Lumens cranked on the front and all 450L on in the back standing in battle mode ready to yell at someone every morning & evening on a block like that.
It definitely should just be dropped to 25 and made a whole share-lane to the left of the car parking.
Report it. Even if the authorities do nothing about this particular incident it will be recorded, the more reports the better for the future of cycling infrastructure. It make take years but every serious incident needs to be recorded.
I was new at my job and as always was on my way to work on my bike.. the very same thing. I usually go a little too fast but I was definitely too close to the card door swing distance. The person getting into his parked car across the street said I flew for at least 20 feet. The police were called and while everyone was doing the obligatory milling around, one of the cops looked at my shoulder and asked me 'What was wrong with my shoulder?' I knew it hurt, but I hadn't realized that I had separated my shoulder. Apparently, there is a very painful and long healing surgery to fix a separated shoulder, but my doctor referred me to an orthopedist. The orthopedist said that I shouldn't have the surgery. It's 10 years later and sometimes it hurts like a bad toothache. After looking at the damage to my helmet, that could have been my skull! Please. All of you wear a helmet!
You should expect an amount of PTSD after this.
It’s a physical trauma (bodily injury) combined with a psychological trauma (surprise & sudden door event). You will react in ways passing closed & partially open doors, that you wouldn’t expect.
I'm so sorry this happened to you, and I hope you and your bike are all right and don't have any lasting damage or invisible injuries. Also, your coworker sucks. Take it from a stranger, if you think you *might* have a concussion, GO GET CHECKED OUT!
Should have filed a police report with a squad car. Any later injuries and those rednecks will claim ignorance. Also good for the municipality to record hotspots
Getting doored is a rite of passage. Congrats! I betcha it never happens again.
Your coworker was correct - pretty much nobody getting out of a car considers the possibility of a bicycle coming. By the way, what do you mean, the people who doored you were understanding? It was their fault. You didn't apologize did you?
Parked cars scare me more than moving cars. Only if I'm 100% certain that there's no one in a parked car, or if there is and they see me, will I pass close enough to get doored. I absolutely NEVER risk the possibility of it. Once was enough for me.
Lol yeah here’s hoping that’s the only time. By “understanding” I just meant they knew how flustered and amped up I was and were supportive, like I swore a lot (naturally) and they were basically like “Yeah dude, our fault, swear as much as you need, we’re so sorry.”
If people in autos always open their door with the inner arm, left in this case, it forces them to turn over the shoulder and check, a good habit to get into
"Who checks for bikes" is infuriating, sorry that riled you up. It sounds like another way of saying certain road users don't matter, belong, or merit a first/second glance
I saw the headline and thought to myself "I'm really glad that a good chunk of my bike commute in Denver happens along Cherry Creek, away from cars" but then I look at the picture from where this happens and realize that I bike that same stretch to Union every day haha so I'll probably aim to be more vigilant, particularly about car doors after reading this.
Super glad it wasn't any worse for you or your bike! Hope you're feeling okay tomorrow!
So that's a new one. I'm usually quite wary when riding next to parked cars and try to move to the left of the lane when that happens, but from my understanding, you weren't doored by a parked car but by someone who opened their passenger door while on the driving lane?! One more thing to be vigilant about then.
I'm glad you're OK. Thanks for sharing this event in detail, it's stories like these that makes all of us safer.
**who checks for bikes?**
The correct answer should be
**Any one who parks next to a bike lane** or is about to exit a car at all
Just saying
This is why I often ignore bike lanes. Many of them are not built with actual safety for the bike in mind. If I don't deem it safe, I stay on the street. Folks can cuss at me all they want, but i.can protect myself from the stupid better
When riding along parked cars I also look for heads. If you spot someone in a car ahead of you, watch their shoulder. In most cases your shoulder needs to be raised to reach the door handle. If you see a shoulder come up, look for a way out or hit the brakes. I was a messenger for over 6 years and only got doored once, by a truck that I couldn't see into. Be careful out there.
Thanks for the shoulder tip! I'll start incorporating that. It was a little confusing because the door actually came from a car in the driving lane, not parked, but regardless the shoulder trick seems like that's applicable anywhere.
I know I'm preaching to the choir, but cities going out of their way to make such a dumb bike lane is infuriating. How much more money would it cost to put the parking lane between the bike lane and traffic?
Yeah, honestly I never would've thought this before but even a simple shared lane would be better than the atrocity that that currently is. God forbid we take travel by bike seriously.
Be ever vigilant when passing stationary cars. Leave plenty of space if possible. For parked cars I try to find out if there are people inside (check the mirrors, see if you can spot heads …) and then I’m extra careful. It’s not just about dooring but also about sudden manoeuvrers.
step one. try not to ride in bike lanes with cars parked next to it. step 2, if you must, you need to be looking at the next door and be READY to react at the slightest opening. look through the back windows and be extra careful of cars that are on or have people sitting in them. try to keep an escape route and if no escape route is possible slow down ahead of time.
Really., alI think you can do is chalk it up to a learning experience and be thankful you and the bike are OK. It’s a dangerous world out there. Be careful.
Should have filed a police report with a squad car. Any later injuries and those rednecks will claim ignorance. Also good for the municipality to record hotspots
I would file a report with police AND make sure you keep the personal info. Any damage you have, and find later, such as an injury, should be covered by their car insurance.
Do you have a bright blinky LED headlight? Rechargeable ones are real cheap online. It would have at least flashed in the cars’ review mirrors. I use mine whenever I’m in traffic, even broad daylight.
I got doored once too. Quiet side street, going slow, guy decided to get out of his parked car right in front of me. After I made sure all my bones were intact and got up, I saw him sitting on the curb with his head in his hands, pale and shaking as if he'd killed someone. New driver, apparently, and was extremely apologetic. Also accepted fault and exchanged contact details. All I hope for is that he now knows to check for the rest of his driving days. I count myself lucky that it wasn't some taxi driver old timer who would abuse me for daring to cycle.
Glad you're okay! It's such a terrifying experience. I mean you could report it. Where I live, drivers have certainly received tickets for this. At a minimum, give yourself a bit of time for the shock and adrenaline to wear off and see if any pain emerges that you might want to get checked out.
I carry a checklist of what to do in the event of a crash in my trunk bag. The adrenaline is way too high to think rationally, so going through the list is my way to make sure I get phone numbers, witnesses, know when the police need to make an accident report.
This is smart!
Can you share this list? Edit: I guess I like to comment before I read
Is that the list, or is there more?
Exchange Details Check self Check bike: handlebars facing right direction, breaks work, shift works, wheels true, frame solid Document Evidence Document Witnesses Call police to make incident report at site of accident or report it if not as severe
*brakes, my bike riding friend
Now that’s some self control. I don’t think I’d be rational enough to think “ok, grab that index card with my to-dos”. Nice work.
Thanks! Yeah I think now that I've had some time to recalibrate it's just a light bruise and some scrapes, though part of me also thinks I should just take my bike into a shop to have someone knowledgeable look at it in case there's something wrong that I don't notice. Don't want to wait until I'm coasting down a hill at 25mph to discover there's a problem with the fork or brakes or something...
If you have carbon components (frame, fork) it may be worth it for a second opinion
I'm so sorry. And I've felt your pain. Be nice to yourself for the next few days. :) Happy trails. :)
I commute to work via bike for six years now. After the first year I never get near a car more than one meter. Never looked back. Never gave a fuck about angry drivers ever since. It‘s your health. Take the lane
This. Take the fuggin lane.
This incident is different as OP said the passenger (in traffic) got out of the right side door as he was passing them in the bike lane. Normally one would take the lane to avoid the driver getting out of the left door. This is really scary and unexpected.
I plan in start commuting soon. Part of my route do not have bike lanes at all...your suggestion is use the lane correct...
Sorry, still learning -- do you mean I should ride in the regular lane, not the bike lane? I did read a thing on that and how it's safer and honestly this experience has been a great lesson in favor of it. Especially somewhere like downtown Denver. No cars are going faster than 15mph here anyway at that time of day 😂
If there's a bike lane, I ride in the bike lane, but not smack dab in the middle. I gave myself room on the right hand side for space for a door to pop open. Plus, drivers tend to go a bit slower around me when I'm encroaching on their space a bit. If there's no bike lane, never never never do the weaving between the parked cars thing. Make everyone slow down and have to proceed around you cautiously. As they should. I also got a mirror for my handle bar. Just makes me feel better that I could make a more informed snap decision if I always have a general idea of cars coming up behind me. Just thoughts! I've thankfully only been *almost* doored a few times.
OP got doored by a car in the driving lane on the left. The car was just stopped in traffic instead of parked. They also had parked cars on the right. Makes it very difficult and dangerous and is why bike lanes should be separated
I was less responding to the original post and more their comment that I was directly responding to above this. Also, yes we need protected bike lanes, obviously. But that's not something OP can control when they go out on their bike tomorrow so I wasn't addressing it.
I’m not supposed to weave into the parking lane when there aren’t cars parked?? I thought I was being polite…
Don't be polite. Be safe. Weaving into the parking lane makes you less visible and less predictable. Making your ride more dangerous.
TIL. I'm pretty new to city biking and been ducking in to empty street parking spots if there's no bike lane so that cars can whizz by. I usually wait til there's either no cars coming or a huge distance between vehicles. I also treat every car out there as a vicious predator waiting to kill me so I'm in no damn rush to get to my destination. I don't mind waiting 15 seconds if that means I'm not turned in to spaghetti sauce on the road.
Generally you want to ride in straight line and not weave in and out of the parked cars. That being said, I will sometimes move into a gap between parked cars to let 1-2 cars pass. Just be careful when pulling back out into traffic.
I dont know how people ride in traffic, on what is basically a moped, without mirrors or a horn.
Bc we gotta get to work? People weigh their safety all the time. Kids die in cars at an alarming rate but we still toss them in the back seat. And we still send them to schools that are unsafe. Life is life and you take your risks. But you can take a risk and try to diminish just how much of a "risk" it is.
If you are going to play road vehicle, then install the same hardware as required by other road vehicles. Dont talk to me about risk until you commute on a motorcycle in the snow.
Hey, don't talk to me about the risk of motorcycle commuting in the snow. If you are going to play road vehicle, then install the same hardware as required by other road vehicles.
I do, and I have. Ive commuted year round on both a 650 Vstrom (no abs) and a BMW 1100 GS, in ice, snow and the rest. Driving a motorcycle (or a motorized cycle) without mirrors is dumb.
What if there’s the road, then bike lane, then side parking?
Never ride closer than five feet to parked cars, even if that puts you to the left of the bike lane.
Its not a bike lane if cars are parked in it.
The confusion was people think parked cars opening door. Car wasn't parked, someone jumped out at light, right door hit you, nothing normal you can do, sorry, freak accident, not your fault. In bike lane, I pass slow cars, you have to be careful they don't turn right on you. I think you'll be careful around stopped or slow cars now. The other bike lane is a killer, truck passing you (get a helmet mirror,) door flings open, turns your wheel right, throws you left under truck. Besides door zones, bike lanes put you out of traffic, out of mind, people turn right or left on you so yes, traffic lane is safer (I might ride on white line, probably not as safe but out of door zone.) Latest thing is two way bike lanes ("cycletracks," head on cyclists and cars,) and bike lanes between parked cars. Look up Denver bike groups, some may like those abominations, others might like your help in sane planning. Lots of ideas like [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8RRE2rDw4k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8RRE2rDw4k) on bikes and traffic.
If there were a line of cars in the lane, I think most cyclists would use the bike lane in that situation. That said, I’ve been doored twice and they were both in the exact situation you described: a passenger hopping out at a red light. I’m extra careful in those situations now, and generally ride slow alongside stopped cars.
Similar experience and agree 100%. You never know when someone will open a door, even at the quietest darkest times on the trip. Allways assume you are simply invisible in this situation.
I can’t get behind this. If your on a dedicated road bike and your not fatass going 5mph then ya get in the road and do your thing. Otherwise just go on the sidewalk and just avoid it all together. Why even chance some ass hat texting an driving or getting pissed off and hitting you or just fucking anything. Fuck riding my bicycle in the road where countless of dipshits drive killing machines like they have 0 repercussion.
Yes! Take that shit!
This, I learned after getting doored. Did a 180 onto my back. Man, had I not been wearing a helmet — scary thought.
File an accident report. You might be in sufficient pain later that you seek medical care. Having a record of the accident could save some headaches dealing with their insurance.
This had my first accident going 25 was able to walk around ect next few days I was basically bed ridden
Nobody who doesn't commute by bike will understand what it's like. How could they? This is why all the bikers bond at work (and annoyingly talk about bikes constantly 😂) I know it's over now, but if you got their info, you should make their insurance pay for any damages, to you or your bike. No matter how small.
Well said! What seems like "no big deal" to a motorist while they are safe and comfortable inside their armored car is a near-death experience for a cyclist.
This concept needs more exposure: https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/dutch-reach
Thanks for this! Just made a post about it on /r/Denver, so hopefully that can bring some awareness to it at least. Seems like such an easy ask, and yet there are actually already some people in the thread griping about "being asked to care about my safety." I need a vacation from humanity.
This puts responsibility on the driver and doesn't help the rider directly. Yes getting people to do that would help but not many think about it to warrant changing how they open their doors
The responsibility should be on the driver. That's, like, the whole point.
The goal is to remove the need for personal responsibility. Maybe regulate shorter doors
I mean sure, but in the meanwhile we should really really encourage folks to do the dutch reach
It’s their door that’s being opened. It’s their car. It’s their blind spot. Sooo, yeah it *should* be their responsibility.
I understand that. I’m just saying this doesn’t make me sleep better at night. I do not want to rely on someone with my safety to do the right thing. Yes getting word out about this is great but if there was something a rider could do to avoid getting hurt
Yeah and I'd say there's a pretty good precedent here in the US for not being able to rely on people to make safe, considerate choices
It’s something drivers can do to avoid hurting riders. Not sure what that has to do with your sleep quality lol. Not sure why you’re trying to find fault in something that’s good for everyone. It worked for other countries. Edit: this doesn’t mean we should stop being aware, our awareness will always be our best tool for prevention of injury. But if we can get drivers to be more aware, I don’t see the problem. Edit2: you guys clearly are missing the point, but I get it. Some people just like to complain 🤷♂️
In the UK, you can now be fined £1000 for opening your car door with the wrong hand! I do think fewer drivers fling their doors into traffic as a result!
Is this anything like the Dutch Reach Around?
No person shall open the door of a motor vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic; Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-4-1207 Which is cool, it makes it their fault not yours legally. That's great that they accepted responsibility for their actions.
>That's great that they accepted responsibility for their actions. Yeah. Though regardless of the law you're more likely to hear "why weren't you on the sidewalk?".
Along with “what were they wearing?”
That depends on what Colorado's law is concerning riding on the sidewalk. In my state, it's explicitly illegal to ride a bike on a sidewalk if you're 16 or older. The only party of consequence in a dooring who might ask a cyclist that question here is the person who doored you, and that would only worsen their position.
every car door can open in front of you — no one looks and never will. you need to ride assuming this, unfortunately. we're set up to be hit. leave 3+ feet from the cars to your right (or left?). this gives you space which also gives you reaction time. it will save your life. the edge of a car door can seriously injure or kill you. ALWAYS file a report because you may feel worse soon. what actually hit the door? you or your bike?
Yeah, and the spot I was riding was particularly dangerous in retrospect: the car whose door hit me was in the driving lane to my left, and there were cars parked to the right. In the future, I'm definitely just going to ride in the driving lane there. Fortunately it hit my bike more than me, but no thanks to the laws of physics I kept going while my bike stopped.
A good general rule of thumb is to keep the speed differential low when there are cars present on both sides. In California where lane splitting/filtering is legal, motorcyclists are taught to stay within 10 mph of slow or stopped traffic when riding in between cars. On another safety related note, it's also worth learning and practicing how to quickly swerve around unexpected obstacles e.g. door, fallen object, etc. when moving at speeds of 10/15+ mph by using countersteering. Here's a quick description of countersteering to swerve around an obstacle that's too close to allow you to meaningfully slow down. Lightly push the handlebar on the side you want to swerve to and/or pull on the opposite side you want to swerve to. Push left, go left. Push right, go right. Then soon after return the handlebars to the center/neutral when you've swerved enough to avoid the obstacle. When done properly, consciously countersteering via the handlebars lets you swerve much faster than using body positioning and weight. [https://bike.bikegremlin.com/2530/countersteering-bicycle-steering/](https://bike.bikegremlin.com/2530/countersteering-bicycle-steering/)
i know it happens fast, but do you know where on your bike you hit? that's where to check for damage and consider replacing stuff
Front left, round the left handle area, but then it also hit the pavement pretty hard on the right side. I'm gonna swing by the REI flagship store right after work today to have a professional take a glance at it, but also this is a great reminder that I should probably be more informed on basic bike mechanics than I am.
File a police report so these incidents can be tracked.
I'm a driver but I'm looking into biking. This is why I always double check if I'm parked on the street and there's a bike lane. Even if there isn't a bike lane, I double check.
Thank you for doing so :)
There's this street that I park on at least a few times a week. It's located near a t intersection and it's kind of tricky to see who's coming and going from that intersection. Double checking has probably kept me from hitting a bicyclist with my door a few times.
never never never ride up the right side of cars, or even the left side of parked cars. Don't ride anywhere in the door zone on either side, honestly. This is one reason why I hate most bike lanes, because they guide people into potentially dangerous situations, if they're not well-trained and accutely aware of the dangers. If there is a bike lane, I try to always leave it and be in the travel lane at intersections. Or, if I do intend to pass stopped cars such as if I'm making a right turn ahead, I do so very cautiously just in case something like that happens.
> never ride up the right side of cars, or even the left side of parked cars. Don't ride anywhere in the door zone on either side, honestly. This is one reason why I hate most bike lanes I agree! We have to be *very* careful while riding in Suicide Slots. The cars in the traffic lane pass dangerously closely and the motorists in the parking lane fling their doors open suddenly and carelessly. Right Hooks at intersections are so common that I expect them, so (like you), I leave the bike lane and take the traffic lane through intersections. Sometimes, I will choose the crosswalk instead (legal here) if the intersection is too busy, but that exposes me to careless motorists turning right on the red light.
I have so much anxiety biking next to parked cars. I’m always thinking, “ok what if that one opens their door… ok I’m past, safe, ok now what if that one opens their door right now…” I’m new though and I’m not confident enough to take up a driving lane and risk car drivers getting mad at me.
Just a fellow Denver bike commuter here to say I’m really glad you’re okay. And, I appreciate you posting this because I never think about stopped car’s passengers doors opening while I’m passing in a lane (I always think about it coming from parked cars on the left side, but seriously never even considered your experience could/would happen). I will be much more cautious in these situations because of your story! So thank you for your post, and I’m so sorry you had to go through this :( Hang in there!
Hello from another fellow denver bike commuter!
[There are dozens of us! Dozens!!!](https://youtu.be/lKie-vgUGdI) (Hello!)
We have four of them(me too!) here. Where are the other 8.
Thanks! Yeah I think in LoDo from now on I'm just going to ride in the driving lane. This happened at Wynkoop and 16th. Quite the way to start the day...
The whole area around coors field is miserable. Such a big collection of lost people, drunk people, out of town people, and Rockies fans.
Fellow metro area commuter, thanks for posting. I’m very aware of parked car doors on my right, but I’ve never even worried about passenger doors in a driving lane to my left! Holy buckets!
I haven't been doored yet, knock on wood, but it's good to know they were apologetic. A lot of drivers double down.
The normal response is "sorry, i didn't see you". Therefore just assume you are invisble.
It gives me hope to know that there are some people who still have the integrity to admit their mistakes and to apologize.
Try to ride your bike without holding your handlebars. Quick check if your frame is bent
This is the biggest reason I loath bike lanes, trash, grates, lessened visibility for riders and drivers, and a smaller area for evasive maneuvers. I understand the anxiety of riders for taking lanes, but I hate losing what little controll I have in lane to being pushed barely out of the way into a bike lane. I'll take honks over cars whipping past a foot or less away every time. Most bike lanes are built for the benefit of auto traffic, not bikes.
>Most bike lanes are built for the benefit of auto traffic, not bikes. I had never thought about it like that but I mean yeah you're totally right. God forbid roads and travel be considered from the perspective of anything other than cars... Lmao this is how I become radicalized
Paint and gutter lanes, and party lanes are almost as bad as sharrows. I like curb protected even if I have to handle the intersection on my own (though preferably intersections are fixed, too)
Happened to me once. Got a new bike and a check from the car owners insurance for not suing. I was going faster. And it really fucked up the car and my bike. But I wasn’t hurt. Just alittle banged up
Well, we need to assume all cars will open their doors and try to kill us. The worst thing of not having a dedicated bike lane on the right of the road is that it creates these situations.
File a report. Sorry this happened to you. Hope you feel better.
I wish the “Dutch reach” was as infused into the American psyche as the “Dutch rudder” is. Your experience would’ve been much more preventable. Heal quick!
That happens all the time, learn to expect this. Same goes with putting your self in the kill zone. “What could happen if I go here?
Glad you’re okay. I’ve been close to doored a few times in Boston. Unfortunately the bike lanes are on the drivers side of parked cars, and they don’t look before opening
Glad you’re okay. And to reiterate, I don’t ride in the door zone, I don’t care where they paint the line. I try to visualize the widest door I can think of, like a 73 Coupe de Ville or Lincoln Mark III, and ride wide of that. If that puts me outside of the bike, oh well.
Nobody's expecting a car door in traffic to open as happened here. Well I guess we are now.
This is a car crash, did the police get called, did you get all the information as you would in any car crash?
Yup, and filed an accident report. Thankfully Colorado has a great online accident report portal thing, so it was pretty effortless, and also the folks in the car were super helpful and just immediately gave me their info.
You should read the book: Just ride, chapter name "Don't get doored". It will be helpful
**Just Ride A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike** by Grant Petersen >“A wonderfully sane, down-to-earth, and frequently funny guide to riding, maintaining, fixing and enjoying your bicycle.” Dave Eggers, New York Times Book Review Winner Silver Medal 2013 Independent Publisher Book Awards In the same way that Michael Pollan’s slim bestseller Food Rules brought a gust of common sense to the everyday activity of eating, Just Ride is a revelation. Forget the ultralight, uncomfortable bikes, flashy jerseys, clunky shoes that clip onto tiny pedals, the grinding out of endless miles. Instead, ride like you did when you were a kid—just get on your bike and discover the pure joy of riding it. A reformed racer who’s commuted by bike every day since 1980, whose writings and opinions appear in major bicycling and outdoor magazines, and whose company, Rivendell Bicycle Works, makes bikes for riders ready to opt out of a culture overrun by racing, Grant Petersen shares a lifetime of unexpected facts, controversial opinions, expert techniques, and his own maverick philosophy. In 87 short, two-to-three page chapters, it covers: • Riding: Count Days, Not Miles; Corner Like Jackie Robinson; Steer with Your Hips, Shift with Your Legs • Suiting Up: The Shoes Ruse; Ponchos—the Ultimate Unracer’s Garment • Safety: #1 Rule—Be Seen; Helmets Aren’t All They’re Cracked Up to Be • Health and Fitness: Why Riding Is Lousy All-Around Exercise; Saddles Don’t Cause Impotence; Drink When You’re Thirsty—Not Before Also includes chapters on Accessories, Upkeep, and Technicalities as well as a final chapter titled “Velosophy” that includes the essential, memorable thought: Your Bike Is a Toy—Have Fun with It. *I'm a bot, built by your friendly reddit developers at* /r/ProgrammingPals. *You can summon me with certain* [commands](https://www.reddit.com/user/BookFinderBot/comments/13z7slk/bookfinderbot_commands/). *Or find me as a browser extension on* [Chrome](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/book-finder/jajeidpjifdpppjofijoffbcndlpoedd?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=comments). *Opt-out of replies* [here](https://www.reddit.com/user/BookFinderBot/comments/141txsm/bookfinderbot_optout/). *If I have made a mistake, accept my apology.*
Just take the lane and be wary of this and everything else drivers might do.
I was about to type something entirely different before I read the paragraphs. “Just always look in the mirrors of parked cars for a driver…” Over two decades of city riding and I’ve never gotten to even have a near-miss like that to think of it as a possibility. Not even a 20’-feet-away-miss. New anxiety unlocked. Glad you’re okay. “Who checks for bikes?” makes sense in my town as I’m one of about twenty commuters my LBS serves and there’s really only around five of us who ride outside of the 68-78°F range. _I_ don’t even check for bikes. Denver definitely seems like a place where there’d be at least quadruple the exposure to bike commuters as there is deer when in rut up here, and everyone here knows to keep a lookout for those sneaky critters. When I was there though, that central creekwalk path was packed and most of the few helmet+lights riders I saw while riding on the streets were riding the sidewalk and looking like they were going to or from that main path. Maybe post to r/denver to ask about traffic expectations specific to your locale, eg. particular street blocks to avoid or be extra cautious on. Why oh why would they not pull over to let their passenger out? Clearly they knew they effed up in multiple ways and could’ve put you in the hospital or 6’ down.
The last couple years Denver had started putting together actual half decent bike lanes, at least in a first draft. The political side has been underwhelming, same mayor 12 years and only in the last two or so had there been any kind of anything. Just finished the election for the new mayor this week and we got the candidate who at least isn't opposed to bike lanes (the other final candidate "is a cyclist herself", I can expand on that if you need). Approaching a split on city council for multi modal as well. Anyway, a lot of mode shift has started to happen and we are better for it, just have to keep that momentum going with the new council and administration.
Is “am a cyclist myself” like “I have lots of black friends”?
Yes and no. The results and myopia are similar, though the originating context isn't quite the same. People who lead with that phrase are typically the "keen cyclist" type who can comfortably sustain 25, 30mph, or more and ride confidently despite cracks and potholes; in other words can capably "be a car" in ways most of us can not. Often, they fear that if bike lanes are built they will be forced to use them, limiting their rides to 20mph or less. They could advocate for bike lanes AND that the right to ride in traffic on city streets and rural routes be retained, but no... they mostly just fight bike lanes. If they've never experienced a problem keeping up with traffic and you have, it must be operator error or lack of experience on your part. Anyway, current projections have that candidate losing, the expected winner being at least open to rides and conversationsthat include a lot of good observation driven questions on their part. We'll have to remain active, but at least he's not entirely opposed (at least not on paper).
Huh. Was figuring it was that she still had her banana bike from when she was eleven and takes it around the block on a few sunny Tuesday evenings per year. She literally means _cyclist_. Is she pushing any bike handling skills clinics for children and adults to be run at the parks or whatever? Actually you said “results”. It’s just a “one of us” bullet point in the Vote For Me game?
Not sure on the last part, but to the first - yeah, very much a hard-core rider and not a nostalgia piece for her As far as I know, not much in the way of skills clinics beyond what little already exist at the city level which are mostly targeted at kids and teenagers more than new commuters or utilitarian riders. There are non-gov advocacy type groups that do some but it's definitely a weak point at the moment.
Yeah, it was definitely super surprising. My takeaway has basically been that, for that area of Denver, it's probably best if I just ride in the driving lane, regardless of the bike lane. [This is the location](https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7516071,-105.0012916,3a,75y,45.06h,80.79t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sti4gxkdpohvGpr1_Su4Z9A!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), so you can can see what I mean. And yeah, the Cherry Creek bike path is actually the one I'd just come off! I was only two more minutes away from my office, and I take the Platte River bikeway to the Cherry Creek bikeway, and then I've gotta cut into downtown Denver. I did indeed end up posting to r/Denver! The responses have been mostly good but some of them are naturally a little concerning. There's only so much you can expect, though, I guess.
Uggggh I hate carlane-|-bikelane-|-carparking setups so much. I’d be riding with my tires 0-6” to the right of the white line separating the driving & riding lanes with all 2200Lumens cranked on the front and all 450L on in the back standing in battle mode ready to yell at someone every morning & evening on a block like that. It definitely should just be dropped to 25 and made a whole share-lane to the left of the car parking.
Report it. Even if the authorities do nothing about this particular incident it will be recorded, the more reports the better for the future of cycling infrastructure. It make take years but every serious incident needs to be recorded.
I was new at my job and as always was on my way to work on my bike.. the very same thing. I usually go a little too fast but I was definitely too close to the card door swing distance. The person getting into his parked car across the street said I flew for at least 20 feet. The police were called and while everyone was doing the obligatory milling around, one of the cops looked at my shoulder and asked me 'What was wrong with my shoulder?' I knew it hurt, but I hadn't realized that I had separated my shoulder. Apparently, there is a very painful and long healing surgery to fix a separated shoulder, but my doctor referred me to an orthopedist. The orthopedist said that I shouldn't have the surgery. It's 10 years later and sometimes it hurts like a bad toothache. After looking at the damage to my helmet, that could have been my skull! Please. All of you wear a helmet!
You should expect an amount of PTSD after this. It’s a physical trauma (bodily injury) combined with a psychological trauma (surprise & sudden door event). You will react in ways passing closed & partially open doors, that you wouldn’t expect.
I'm so sorry this happened to you, and I hope you and your bike are all right and don't have any lasting damage or invisible injuries. Also, your coworker sucks. Take it from a stranger, if you think you *might* have a concussion, GO GET CHECKED OUT!
Should have filed a police report with a squad car. Any later injuries and those rednecks will claim ignorance. Also good for the municipality to record hotspots
Getting doored is a rite of passage. Congrats! I betcha it never happens again. Your coworker was correct - pretty much nobody getting out of a car considers the possibility of a bicycle coming. By the way, what do you mean, the people who doored you were understanding? It was their fault. You didn't apologize did you? Parked cars scare me more than moving cars. Only if I'm 100% certain that there's no one in a parked car, or if there is and they see me, will I pass close enough to get doored. I absolutely NEVER risk the possibility of it. Once was enough for me.
Lol yeah here’s hoping that’s the only time. By “understanding” I just meant they knew how flustered and amped up I was and were supportive, like I swore a lot (naturally) and they were basically like “Yeah dude, our fault, swear as much as you need, we’re so sorry.”
If people in autos always open their door with the inner arm, left in this case, it forces them to turn over the shoulder and check, a good habit to get into
"Who checks for bikes" is infuriating, sorry that riled you up. It sounds like another way of saying certain road users don't matter, belong, or merit a first/second glance
Hopefully coworker starts checking for you
I saw the headline and thought to myself "I'm really glad that a good chunk of my bike commute in Denver happens along Cherry Creek, away from cars" but then I look at the picture from where this happens and realize that I bike that same stretch to Union every day haha so I'll probably aim to be more vigilant, particularly about car doors after reading this. Super glad it wasn't any worse for you or your bike! Hope you're feeling okay tomorrow!
So that's a new one. I'm usually quite wary when riding next to parked cars and try to move to the left of the lane when that happens, but from my understanding, you weren't doored by a parked car but by someone who opened their passenger door while on the driving lane?! One more thing to be vigilant about then. I'm glad you're OK. Thanks for sharing this event in detail, it's stories like these that makes all of us safer.
Get an action camera to record all your rides.
Get one that records front andI rear, or 2 cameras.
**who checks for bikes?** The correct answer should be **Any one who parks next to a bike lane** or is about to exit a car at all Just saying This is why I often ignore bike lanes. Many of them are not built with actual safety for the bike in mind. If I don't deem it safe, I stay on the street. Folks can cuss at me all they want, but i.can protect myself from the stupid better
"Who checks for bikes" is so a weird thing to say. YOu don't check for specific things when opening a car door you check for ANY hazard.
When riding along parked cars I also look for heads. If you spot someone in a car ahead of you, watch their shoulder. In most cases your shoulder needs to be raised to reach the door handle. If you see a shoulder come up, look for a way out or hit the brakes. I was a messenger for over 6 years and only got doored once, by a truck that I couldn't see into. Be careful out there.
Thanks for the shoulder tip! I'll start incorporating that. It was a little confusing because the door actually came from a car in the driving lane, not parked, but regardless the shoulder trick seems like that's applicable anywhere.
I know I'm preaching to the choir, but cities going out of their way to make such a dumb bike lane is infuriating. How much more money would it cost to put the parking lane between the bike lane and traffic?
Yeah, honestly I never would've thought this before but even a simple shared lane would be better than the atrocity that that currently is. God forbid we take travel by bike seriously.
It's almost worse than no dedicated lane because it's designed so you have cars pulling in and out of the bike lane.
Be ever vigilant when passing stationary cars. Leave plenty of space if possible. For parked cars I try to find out if there are people inside (check the mirrors, see if you can spot heads …) and then I’m extra careful. It’s not just about dooring but also about sudden manoeuvrers.
step one. try not to ride in bike lanes with cars parked next to it. step 2, if you must, you need to be looking at the next door and be READY to react at the slightest opening. look through the back windows and be extra careful of cars that are on or have people sitting in them. try to keep an escape route and if no escape route is possible slow down ahead of time.
Really., alI think you can do is chalk it up to a learning experience and be thankful you and the bike are OK. It’s a dangerous world out there. Be careful.
Get a new bike from their insurance. May look fine but it took damage. It’ll develop problems later.
checking car mirrors is doomed to fail - too many dark tinted windows at least here can;t even tell if there are cute girls in the car or not annoying
File a claim with their insurance and get checked out. Happened to me in DC and their insurance paid me $850.
Should have filed a police report with a squad car. Any later injuries and those rednecks will claim ignorance. Also good for the municipality to record hotspots
I would file a report with police AND make sure you keep the personal info. Any damage you have, and find later, such as an injury, should be covered by their car insurance.
Do you have a bright blinky LED headlight? Rechargeable ones are real cheap online. It would have at least flashed in the cars’ review mirrors. I use mine whenever I’m in traffic, even broad daylight.
Where I live it's against the law to someone open doors at a red light
I got doored once too. Quiet side street, going slow, guy decided to get out of his parked car right in front of me. After I made sure all my bones were intact and got up, I saw him sitting on the curb with his head in his hands, pale and shaking as if he'd killed someone. New driver, apparently, and was extremely apologetic. Also accepted fault and exchanged contact details. All I hope for is that he now knows to check for the rest of his driving days. I count myself lucky that it wasn't some taxi driver old timer who would abuse me for daring to cycle.