Dooring

What is dooring?

Dooring occurs when an occupant of a parked or stopped vehicle opens a door into the path of an approaching cyclist.

The cyclist has almost no opportunity to react. A door opens within a few feet of them at riding speed, and there is neither time to brake nor space to swerve.

Injuries are frequently severe, both from the impact with the door and from being thrown into the travel lane where following traffic may strike them.

It is among the most common serious cycling collisions in dense urban areas with street parking.

It is entirely preventable, which is what makes it distinct from most collision types.

Who is responsible?

The obligation rests with the person opening the door.

• Drivers and passengers must check before opening a door into traffic
• A door must not be opened unless it is reasonably safe to do so
• It must not be left open longer than necessary
• The obligation applies to passengers as well as to the driver
• Rideshare and taxi passengers are frequently involved in these collisions

What defenses are raised?

That the cyclist was riding too fast, too close to parked vehicles, or outside a bike lane where one was available.

Lighting and visibility arguments arise in evening collisions, and helmet use is sometimes raised on damages even though it does not bear on liability for the door.

Comparative negligence can reduce recovery where the cyclist's position or speed contributed, though the primary obligation remains with the person opening the door.

How are these cases proven?

Through the physical evidence, particularly the damage pattern on the door and the cyclist's bicycle, which establishes the geometry of the impact.

Camera footage from the cyclist or from nearby businesses frequently resolves the sequence, and it is overwritten quickly.

Where a rideshare passenger opened the door, the platform's coverage may be relevant depending on the circumstances, which makes identifying the vehicle's status worthwhile.

Identifying every occupant of the vehicle matters, since the person who opened the door may not be the registered owner.

Common questions

What if I was not in a bike lane?

Cyclists are generally entitled to use the roadway. Position may bear on comparative fault without removing the door opener's obligation.

Who is liable if a passenger opened the door?

The obligation applies to passengers as well as drivers. Depending on the circumstances, coverage may respond through the vehicle or the passenger.

Does not wearing a helmet affect my claim?

It does not bear on who caused the collision. It may be raised on damages depending on the injuries involved.