Accident club...

[miffy'sFuji]

I had my first bike accident today after over 800 city miles since April. I was nearly home from work and a man opened his car door right as I was there. I went over my handle bars... I was clipped in, so I'm not quite certain how I got separated from the bike. It all happened so fast. I remember sommersaulting. My thigh must have jambed into my handlebars because it's sore and I have a contusion. Thank goodness no cars were coming up behind me.

My bike: the handlebars are bent to one side, my rear derailleur was pushed in and my rear wheel won't spin due to the brakes getting pushed in or something. What's funny is that I had a flat last Friday. I went to see E2theD race cyclocross yesterday, got all charged up to ride my cross bike, fixed the flat and this happens.

What a bummer.

[CyclChyk]

I'm so glad you were not seriously hurt! And I'm sorry about your bike. Its odd; everytime I've crashed, I've become unclipped and had no idea how.....

Geez... you think the guy would have seen you.

[E2theD]

I'm so glad you are ok!!! Ouch, your poor bike. I was just thinking on my commute home how drivers were crazed today. I had a close call with a van at a round-a-bout this morning and on the way home drivers were even getting into fights with each other in front of my eyes. Very strange day and I actually made a little wish to get home safely.

I hope you and your bike will make a full recovery. Did the guy offer to pay for the damages? He is definitely liable for any injury or damage you or your bike received. So sorry sweetie. I've never been doored but I've witnessed it and it scares the crap out of me.

Hugs and healing thoughts to you.

Erin

[DebW]

Bummer. Sorry for your accident. Hope you and the bike are back to normal soon. If you're riding along near parked cars, try and be aware if there is a driver in a car. If there is, stay a door-length away if possible.

[Squeaky]

What a relief that you are okay! That's some pretty scary stuff . It's a shame about your bike, but better it than you.

I'm curious. In this type of situation, the driver is really at fault? I suppose that would make sense.

[jsgeneroso]

Hi.

I am glad that you are ok. That sounds quite scary!

[Bad JuJu]

Whew--glad to hear you weren't hurt too badly! Drivers can be so dangerous, even when they're not moving. Hope you feel better soon.

[spokewench]

I'm glad you are okay. This is a lesson on cycling however. I know this is not always possible but whenever I am in a situation where there are a bunch of cars parked alongsidethe road, I take the lane, i.e. ride in the middle of lane showing that if you want by me, a car will have to pass me. In most states, the rule is that you ride to the farthest right of the road as practicable. The as practicable is the key. If there is debris in the road, you can move out into the lane, it if it unsafe to ride near parked cars because they may door you like you had happen, you ride out in the lane and show that you are aggressively taking the lane!

Yes, the driver should look before they exit their cars, but they hardly ever do. so it is up to us to keep ourselves safe on the bike.

[miffy'sFuji]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all of your kind words. I'm a little sore this morning, but my incident was nothing like a few of the accidents I've read about on the boards.

Fact of the matter was, I was in the middle of the lane. However, in a lot of the city of SF, many of the streets are narrow and there isn't a lot of extra room. I think his door caught me by only 1/8 -1/4 inch. He opened it very fast and all of the way at once. He said afterwards that he didn't look, he had been sitting in his car listening to music. For a car to make it around his fully opened door, they would need to cross about half of their vehicle over the yellow line and into oncoming traffic.

I didn't realize at first that my bike is unrideable, so I went back later and was able to get his insurance information. We'll see what happens.

[Cassandra_Cain]

Oh I'm sorry to hear about the accident

Then, at least you being able to write about it on the forum is positive. Better that than being hospitalized.

San Francisco is a tough place to ride. Even being in the lane as you were, the car door swung soooo far open - hard to avoid I bet.

I was in an accident 2 months ago, it has had a subtle but definite effect on my riding. You could say it has upped my level of vigilance around cars enormously.

Hope you (and the bike) get better soon and out riding again

[E2theD]

In this type of situation, the driver is really at fault?

Most definitely. The following is from the CA DMV site. Many other states including Washington and Oregon have similar laws.

Vehicle Code

Opening and Closing Doors

22517. No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open upon the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

[RoadRaven]

This was exactly my first crash ever in my life, miffy

I was about 15, on my way to the library on my golden Raleigh 20. There were probably 3 cars parked on my side of the entire length of street.

He opened the door as I biked past and like you I somersaulted over the door. I did a three-point landing on my chin and hands.

I have given cars a wide berth ever since - even though there has been a 20 year no-riding phase in the middle, I haven't forgotten!!!

Glad you are only bruised, and trust the bike patches up quickly too.

[short cut sally]

Hope you and your beloved bike are healing nicely..very close call for you..health and best wishes...

[Bikingmomof3]

How scary. I hope you and your bike are healing quickly.

[margo49]

Healing and calming thoughts your way

Been "doored" three times; twice messenger-ing in London, once in Brizzie (Oz). The first one I screamed and swore at this dork who replied "I don't know what a dork is but you are so rude I won't give you the 5 pounds (sterling) I had planned when I first realised I had caused an accident"; the second just ran away (really) in Upper Class Twit of the Year fashion (while I was telling him what an idiot he was) so I bent up his wipers, mirrors and aerial. The Oz one *I* needed an ambulance.(Screaming and swearing are less effective in the Antipodes anyway)
I think it is basically unavoidable as drivers simply don't look before opening the door.

Relax, pamper yourself, get the bike fixed on his money hopefully, get a new helmet (?) and carry on enjoying riding till the next time!