The Danger of Car Doors: Protecting Cyclists on NSW Roads
For any cyclist who has taken to the roads, the unexpected swing of a car door—commonly referred to as "dooring"—is a well-recognised and dangerous hazard. This seemingly small act can have catastrophic consequences for cyclists, resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. In New South Wales (NSW), the government has introduced specific laws and guidelines to address the risks of dooring, but creating awareness and ensuring compliance are vital for keeping cyclists safe.
Understanding Dooring Laws in NSW
NSW road rules clearly state that it is illegal to open a car door in a manner that endangers other road users, including cyclists. According to the legislation:
"A person must not cause a hazard to any person or vehicle by opening a door of a vehicle, leaving a door of a vehicle open, or getting off, or out of, a vehicle."
This regulation applies to all vehicle doors, whether they’re on the driver’s side, passenger side, or rear of the vehicle. Drivers and passengers share equal responsibility in ensuring the door is opened safely and without creating a hazard. Non-compliance can result in fines and penalties—but beyond that, responsible behaviour can save lives and prevent accidents.
The Real Risks of Dooring
Dooring is one of the leading causes of collisions and injuries involving cyclists. When a car door is unexpectedly flung open into the path of an oncoming cyclist, the rider has little to no time to react. Such an impact often leads to falls and injuries ranging from broken bones to head trauma, and in worst cases, fatalities.
In an attempt to avoid a door, cyclists may swerve abruptly into adjacent traffic lanes, putting them at risk of being struck by passing vehicles. Research by Bicycle NSW highlights the “door zone” as an area of significant risk. This zone extends approximately one metre out from parked cars, where vehicle doors are most likely to open into the path of cyclists. Bike lanes positioned within this door zone further expose cyclists to potential harm, particularly in congested areas or zones with limited visibility.
How Cyclists Can Protect Themselves
While the responsibility to prevent dooring incidents primarily rests on drivers and passengers, cyclists can take proactive measures to minimise their risk:
- Maintain a Safe Distance
Always ride at least one metre away from parked cars to stay clear of the door zone. Keeping this buffer provides essential reaction time and space. - Be Vigilant
Pay attention to vehicles parked on the side of the road. Look for signs that a door might open, such as a person sitting in the car, brake lights, or visible movement inside. - Use Bike Lanes Cautiously
If the designated bike lane is within the door zone, evaluate the safety of riding further from parked cars. NSW law allows cyclists to leave a bike lane when it’s unsafe or impractical to use. - Ride Predictably
Hold a steady line and avoid weaving in and out of spaces near parked cars. This makes it easier for drivers to see you and predict your movements. - Lower Your Speed in Risky Areas
Reduce your speed when navigating areas with high concentrations of parked cars. Reduced speed allows more time to react to unexpected door openings.
What Drivers and Passengers Can Do to Prevent Dooring
Educating drivers and passengers on simple preventive measures can drastically reduce the number of dooring incidents. Here’s what everyone can do:
- Adopt the Dutch Reach Method
Use your far hand to open the car door (e.g., your left hand to open a door on the driver’s side). This movement naturally prompts you to look over your shoulder for cyclists approaching from behind. - Always Check Mirrors and Blind Spots
Before opening your car door, glance in your mirrors and over your shoulder to ensure the area is clear. - Raise Passenger Awareness
Teach passengers to exit vehicles safely by ensuring they understand the risks posed to cyclists. - Avoid Parking in Bike Lanes
Be considerate and park away from spaces where cyclists frequently ride, reducing the risk of conflict.
The Importance of Infrastructure in Preventing Dooring
While individual behavior is essential, better infrastructure can significantly reduce dooring risks for cyclists. Bicycle NSW has long advocated for:
- Protected Bike Lanes
Creating separated bike lanes that are physically shielded from parked cars eliminates the possibility of dooring altogether. - Roads with Wider Shoulders
Redesigning roads to include wider shoulders and marked bike lanes gives cyclists safer spaces to ride. - Educational Campaigns
Promoting awareness campaigns aimed at educating both drivers and cyclists about the risks of dooring fosters a culture of shared responsibility and mutual respect on the roads.
Bike Lanes
Bicycle Lanes are dictated by a sign with a bike and LANE underneath. If a road shoulder has a painted bike but no Bike Lane sign then bike riders are not compelled to use it. You can keep reading here.
The Door Zone
When marked bike lanes are provided, they are to the left of the road. Too often cars are allowed to park closest to the gutter, and the bike lane is sandwiched between them and the traffic lane.
Riders staying within this lane, or over to the left of the traffic lane, are then endangered if the driver opens their car door without checking first. The rider can be hit, can hit the door, or can be pushed into the path of the car behind them.
The Dutch Reach
The Netherlands pioneered the ‘Dutch Reach’, a technique of opening the car door with the hand furthest away, requiring people to turn their bodies so they are better able to see a bike rider coming. This has been adopted in other countries, and remains essential to passing your driving test in the Netherlands.
Bicycle NSW: Leading the Advocacy for Safer Roads
Bicycle NSW plays a pivotal role in championing cyclist safety through advocacy and education. By working with government agencies, local councils, and community stakeholders, the organisation seeks to improve cycling infrastructure and awareness across the state.
"Dooring is entirely preventable, yet it continues to endanger cyclists unnecessarily. By promoting responsible behavior and advocating for improved infrastructure, we can create safer roads for everyone," said Bastien Wallace, General Manager of Public Affairs at Bicycle NSW.
The organisation also offers guidance and resources for cyclists, including tips on safely navigating the door zone.
Dooring represents a serious risk to cyclists, but with proactive measures, education, and better infrastructure, it is entirely preventable. Whether you’re a cyclist, driver, or passenger, adopting safer practices can save lives and reduce accidents.
Let’s work together to foster a culture of safety and respect on NSW roads. Become a member of Bicycle NSW today and take the first step in supporting safer cycling for everyone.
Safety Campaign
Bicycle NSW has advocated driver education and adoption of this technique in NSW. Part of our safety campaign supported by Suez includes the ‘Look back for bikes’ message to remind everyone to open vehicle doors safely.
“This is a simple, free technique that drivers and passengers can adopt now to prevent serious injuries,” said Bicycle NSW General Manager of Public Affairs, Bastien Wallace.
“Reminding people you travel with or workmates to look back for bikes could make NSW roads safer for everyone,” said Bastien.
We’re asking members to share this article with friends, remind anyone you know who is studying for their license, or who drives for a living. A small change in behaviour could do a lot to help riders.
How You Can Make a Difference: Join Bicycle NSW Today
Improving road safety requires collective action. By joining Bicycle NSW as a member, you contribute directly to efforts aimed at making cycling safer and more accessible.
Membership Benefits Include:
- Global Comprehensive Insurance: Peace of mind while riding.
- Exclusive Discounts: Savings on cycling gear, events, and more.
- Expert Resources: Access to advice and guides to improve your cycling experience.
- Advocacy Power: Your voice strengthens campaigns for better cycling policies and infrastructure.
Every membership helps fund initiatives that improve roads, educate the public, and protect cyclists. Together, we can make NSW a cycling-friendly state.
Sign up now at Bicycle NSW Membership and be part of the change. Your support matters.
Safety On Spokes
This article is a part of our 2 month Safety on Spokes Campaign where we cover a range of topics to make a better environment for bike riders in NSW.
