(7 votes, average: 4.71 out of 5)
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This week’s episode is about how to avoid getting “doored”. Taking advantage of bike lanes is the only way to go for bike commuters, but, if your not watching, those doors will getcha.
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This week’s episode is about how to avoid getting “doored”. Taking advantage of bike lanes is the only way to go for bike commuters, but, if your not watching, those doors will getcha.
December 5th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Good job on the video, that’s an excellent video for new commuter-cyclists to see, as it points out some danger that the inexperienced in-traffic rider may not be aware of. Unfortunately there’s really no silver bullet to prevent being doored… even while watching and being alert, I’ve found that you can’t really ride your normal speed and style in a bike lane when parked cars are present - you really have to slow down to anticipate the random door. That’s why I prefer the off-street bike trail. Especially now in winter, those off-street paths are practically deserted (no pedestrians, which is what slows us down in nicer weather) so I can ride my normal speed and make good time commuting off-street.
Also on your poll - funny you talk about “more than 60 miles/week being hardcore.” I commute that much easily and don’t think of myself as hardcore
but with 6 miles one-way to work, then throw in a few errands and a few times when I’ve detoured the long (and scenic) way home, I’m up to 60+ miles without even thinking about it. I may be cutting down once the streets get icy though!
December 5th, 2008 at 11:52 am
THanks, Jennifer.
If you are riding more than 60 miles per week as a commuter, that is pretty impressive. I would imagine that would put into the upper percentages of bike commuters. Either way, I consider you hardcore.
December 8th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Hi Will,
Nice seeing your lovely face on my computer, and excellent job on the cast. As someone who has been doored more than once, I appreciate your efforts. Here’s another problem that can be immeasurably horrific. It’s hard to describe, but I will do my best.
Here in Austin, we have bad traffic. I’m sure you have nothing of the sort in Seattle. In any case, there are times when the line of cars on the side of the road where I am riding will part to let a car from the other lane make a turn, sort of like Moses and the Red Sea. As you can imagine sight lines for rider and for driver are minimal and the whole event can happen quite suddenly. After nearly t-boning a car a couple of times on Bee Caves Road in Austin, I have started scanning the line up vehicles for the Red Sea Effect.
But, like I said, you probably don’t have bad traffic in Seattle, being progressive and all. I’ll check out the other podcasts.
S
December 8th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Thanks Steryl,
I hadn’t thought a lot about the “Moses and Red Sea” phenomenon, but you’re right. That can be a bad one. In a former life I was an auto claims adjuster and we called that a “sucker hole”. And, yes, it happens here in Seattle as well. You gave the best protection that I can think of — staying alert and scanning what’s happening well ahead of you. Thanks for the comment.
Will
January 17th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
This is a useful tool for beginners, but also a reminder for experienced commuters. One other dangerous result not mentioned is the kneejerk evasive move of swinging to the left to avoid hitting the door. That one will get you killed.
This video has reminded me of that which is my most common mistake: riding too close to parked cars in order to allow traffic to move past me more easily.
Thanks.
January 17th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
John,
Thanks for the comment and support. You make a good point. I wish I had thought to mention the overreaction danger, but I’m glad you brought it up. I, too, have had some close calls because I swerved left without knowing exactly what was on my left.
February 24th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Thank you!