Dooring Incidents on Busy Streets: How Drivers and Passengers Create Hidden Dangers for Cyclists

City streets are becoming increasingly congested with cyclists, delivery riders, rideshare vehicles, and parked cars lining every block. With this growing density, one type of collision has become alarmingly common: dooring accidents.
A dooring incident occurs when a driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of a cyclist, giving the rider no time or space to avoid impact. These crashes often result in severe injuries—even at low speeds—because cyclists are thrown directly into the door, the pavement, moving traffic, or both.

Dooring is a preventable but persistent hazard on busy streets throughout California. This article explores why dooring occurs, the legal responsibilities of drivers and passengers, and how injured cyclists can prove liability and seek compensation.

Why Dooring Incidents Are So Dangerous?

Many drivers underestimate the severity of dooring crashes, assuming they are “low-speed” or “minor” events. But for cyclists, the consequences can be life-changing. A sudden door opening leaves no reaction time. At even 10–15 mph, a cyclist can be violently ejected from their bike.

Common injuries include:

• Shoulder injuries and torn ligaments
• Broken wrists, arms, or collarbones
• Facial fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (with or without helmets)
• Spinal injuries
• Road rash and lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Permanent disability

In many cases, the door impact is only the beginning—cyclists may be thrown into moving traffic, resulting in a second collision.

Why Dooring Incidents Are Increasing in Urban Environments

1. More Ride-Share and Delivery Activity

Apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Amazon Flex have increased the number of people entering and exiting vehicles on busy streets.

2. Inadequate or Poorly Designed Bike Lanes

Many bike lanes run directly alongside parked cars, placing cyclists in the “door zone” by design.

3. Increased Urban Cycling

With more cyclists on the road, the probability of dooring incidents naturally rises—especially in city centers and commercial districts.

4. Distracted Passengers

Passengers often open doors while texting, talking, or rushing, without checking for cyclists approaching from behind.

5. Poor Visibility and Tight Streets

Narrow roads, delivery vans blocking sightlines, and nighttime conditions make cyclists harder to spot.

California Law on Dooring: Vehicle Code § 22517

California Vehicle Code § 22517 explicitly prohibits opening a vehicle door unless it is safe to do so. This means:

• Drivers and passengers must check for cyclists and traffic before opening their door.
• Opening a door into a cyclist’s path is a violation of California law.
• Drivers may also be liable for passengers’ actions if they fail to warn them about oncoming cyclists.

Because the law is clear, dooring cases often have strong foundations for liability—though insurance companies may still attempt to dispute fault.

How Dooring Accidents Occur

The most common scenarios include:

1. A driver opens the driver-side door into a passing cyclist

The cyclist hits the door head-on or is forced into traffic.

2. A passenger opens the rear door of a rideshare vehicle

Cyclists riding near bike lanes or designated drop-off zones are especially vulnerable.

3. A parked driver opens the door without checking mirrors

Many drivers assume parked means safe—but fail to account for bike traffic.

4. Taxi or delivery drivers drop passengers curbside

Passengers rush out, unaware of approaching bicycles.

5. Commercial vehicles block bike lanes

Cyclists are forced to ride closer to parked cars, increasing the risk of encountering an opening door.

Determining Liability in Dooring Accidents

Liability typically falls on:

• The driver
• The vehicle owner
• The passenger (in certain cases)
• Rideshare or delivery companies (when drivers violate company policies)

Attorneys examine:

• The position of the cyclist
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Photos of the vehicle and door position
• Police reports
• Damage patterns on the bike and door
• Whether the cyclist was in a designated lane

The core legal question is simple: Was the door opened safely and with proper caution?

If not, the driver or passenger is at fault.

Common Defenses Used Against Cyclists—And How to Counter Them

Insurance companies often argue:

• The cyclist was riding too close to parked cars
• The cyclist should have anticipated the opening door
• The cyclist was speeding
• There were no bike lanes

These arguments attempt to shift blame using California’s comparative negligence laws. However, attorneys can counter them by showing:

• The cyclist was riding in a lawful position
• The roadway or bike lane design forced cyclists near parked cars
• Video or witness evidence shows the cyclist had no time to react
• The driver or passenger violated CVC § 22517

Ultimately, cyclists have the right to use the road safely, and dooring incidents typically stem from lack of awareness, not cyclist error.

What Cyclists Should Do After a Dooring Accident

To protect their claim, injured cyclists should:

1. Photograph the door position, vehicle, and bike damage
2. Collect witness contact information
3. Request police response
4. Seek immediate medical attention
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers
6. Contact a personal injury attorney promptly

Because dooring accidents often involve clear negligence, strong early documentation is crucial.

Conclusion: Dooring Is Preventable—But Still Far Too Common

Dooring incidents are not “accidents” in the traditional sense—they are the predictable result of failing to check for cyclists before opening a door. With California laws clearly defining responsibility, injured cyclists have strong legal grounds to pursue compensation.

In dense urban environments where cyclists and cars interact constantly, awareness, proper infrastructure, and legal accountability are essential to keeping roads safe.