How to Avoid Getting Doored
- Lane positioning
- Ride 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
- Speed positioning
- As you begin to overtake cars in urban settings, always pass them on your right
- If you are traveling at the same speed as traffic, ride in the center of your lane
- As traffic begins to speed up, signal and begin moving to a lane on your right
- 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, take the lane so you don't get forced to the right of a stopped car
- Plan your turn so that you remain at least three feet to the left of any stopped cars
- 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
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