Dooring is one of the most dangerous and common types of accidents cyclists face, especially in urban areas. It occurs when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming bicyclist, leaving them with little or no time to react.
In the Buckeye State, where cycling infrastructure is improving but still evolving, this issue continues to put riders at risk. The question arises: is dooring ever a cyclist’s fault? While every situation is unique, the overwhelming answer — both legally and logically — is no.
Fault and reality on the road
Blaming a cyclist for a dooring incident implies that they could or should have done something differently to prevent the accident — but this line of thinking is flawed. In many cases, the cyclist has no warning that a door is about to swing open.
Unlike drivers, cyclists don’t have the benefit of windshield views into parked cars, brake lights or turn signals. And even the most cautious rider can’t predict when someone might fling a door open without looking. Moreover, expecting cyclists to avoid door zones entirely isn’t always practical. Ohio cities and towns often have:
- Narrow lanes
- Insufficient bike infrastructure
- Parked cars lining busy streets
Cyclists often have no choice but to ride within the door zone. To say it’s their fault when a driver suddenly opens a door is to ignore the realities of urban biking and the legal obligation drivers have to check before opening doors.
Cyclists already face enough challenges navigating streets designed with cars in mind. Holding them responsible for someone else’s lack of caution only adds insult to injury. To help prevent dooring accidents, awareness and accountability from drivers are key — not blame placed on the vulnerable party. Cyclists who sustained injuries following a dooring can enlist legal guidance to hold the at-fault motorist accountable.