Riding a bicycle is a lot of fun. You have the opportunity to experience the outdoors, get some exercise and maybe even speed up your commute. This is all in addition to the opportunity to save money.
However, there are a few things you need to know about commuting on a bicycle. Above all else, this is not always as safe as it sounds. Even in a city where there are bike lanes everywhere, accidents still happen. Unfortunately, these accidents can cause serious injury or even death.
There are many safety hazards that bicyclists need to be aware of, including the door zone. This is exactly what it sounds like: It's when you're riding your bike in an area where someone could open a car door, thus causing a collision.
The best way to avoid this trouble is to assume that a door will open in your path. This will ensure that you always leave enough space between your bicycle and stopped vehicles.
This is good practice with all vehicles, not just those that are parked.
If you are involved in this type of accident, the injuries you suffer can be serious. This is why you should never wait to call 911 for assistance.
In the event that you are injured in a door zone accident, you should learn more about your legal rights. The same holds true if a loved one has been killed in this type of crash. Once you have a clear idea of your legal rights, such as how to receive compensation from the negligent party, you can decide which steps to take next.
Source: Bicycling, "5 Safety Pointers for the Urban Cyclist," accessed Oct. 06, 2017