How to Avoid Getting Doored

HOW TO AVOID GETTING DOORED

Lane positioning
• Ride with your handlebars at least three feet from parked cars
• Never swerve between parked cars; use the outside of the next car as your guide
• Avoid riding on the right side of any stopped car, especially if it is near the curb

Sudden stops
• If a car stops in front of you suddenly, stop, look for exiting passengers, then pass on left
• Make sure that you stop safely before you release the handlebar to signal and pass
• Maintaining control of your bicycle is the most important task

Intersections
• Before turning, look for cars double-parked in your destination lane
• When turning, control the lane so you don’t get forced to the right of a stopped car

Bike lanes
• You do not have to ride within a bike lane if you are avoiding a hazard
• Cars must not drive in bike lanes but bikes may leave bike lanes at any time
• Regardless of bike lane position, never ride within three feet of any parked car