07-24-08 nearly doored

On Hampshire Street heading towards Inman Square. Driver didn't check his mirror before opening the door into the marked bicycle lane.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• bicycle
• cambridge
• bike
• doored
• accident

[Theneongray2]

Why the fuck were you riding in a door zone?

Are you trying to get hit so you can sue someone?

Do you still do it?

[cambridgecyclist]

@Theneongray2 I was riding to the outside of the bicycle lane, which is generally the recommended way to use bicycle lanes that are painted in or near the door zone -- that's why I wasn't hit. I still ride defensively and it has kept me safe. It is illegal here in Mass to open a door into a traffic lane while there is oncoming traffic, which is why this video was posted to Youtube; I'm not speculating about lawsuits.

[Theneongray2]

@cambridgecyclist

I have been riding BMX for about 17 years, I ride on the sidewalk and I have never come close to hitting anyone. The REAL most dangerous locations are the road, and the door zone. You can try and trust lines on the ground with you life, but just like in this video you will be putting your life in the hands of strangers.

You road bikers are stupid, there are days that I ride 6 hours, so I know a hell of a lot more than someone using a bike for travel an hour a day.

[cambridgecyclist]

@Theneongray2 I respect your experience. I am also an avid cyclist; I primarily commute and also ride recreationally most weekends for 4-6 hours at a time. Have you seen the publication 'Bicycling Street Smarts'? If you're interested in bicycle safety statistics it's worth reading. It's freely available on bikexprt.com. There are also research documents about bicycle use and hazard patterns that you might enjoy looking at.

[bigguychappers]

I don't know about the US, but in the UK theres kind of an unwritten rule among cyclists to always stay at least 3 feet away from parked cars. This would have prevented this.

[cambridgecyclist]

I was riding to the outer edge of the bike lane here. That's why the door didn't hit me.

[owenboen]

I just got doored almost in this exact spot, except I was past Inman on Hampshire, kinda near the Thirsty Scholar Pub. I actually got hit and flew into the street. Fortunately there were no cars behind me, or else I'd probably be dead.

[TalbotEric]

jesus christ won't save you

[1020Shane]

@cambridgecyclist That's true. In Ontario theres a HTA law where anyone who opens a car door must do so with caution.

[darksquirrel122]

You tossers on bikes winge too much.

I thought this video was going to be about something a little less prude, for example, a MOTORcyclist.



[sybrande]

@cambridgecyclist I dont live in america, but do they really have a door zone? that sounds really ridiculous.

[longtalker]

Jesus what an idiot, HOW could you not think that a bike might be coming along on the bike lane, before opening the door??

[oOMarioMafiaOo]

@bigguychappers Lol thats actually a rule in my city's guide to riding in the street

[maurigian1]

@localSickened In your ass

[Backspacebrad]

@cambridgecyclist You took this kids comment well, nice.

@Theneongray2 Most places its against the law for bikes to ride on the sidewalk, its dangerous for the walkers. He's riding in through a city, let him stick to what he knows and you can do whatever you'd like. He's also going around 30-40mph.. therefore, riding on the sidewalk doesn't seem too smart.

[localSickened]

wheres jesus christ?

[swidd2]

@Theneongray2 how much could he get if suing for something like that?