Here’s the story:
(WRAL) The rules of the road could be changing for Raleigh drivers to make streets safer for bicyclists.
A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall to discuss changes to Raleigh’s bicycle ordinance, including requiring drivers to check their rear-view mirrors after they park on a street to make sure the coast is clear before opening their doors.
The change, which has the backing of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, would prevent “dooring,” which happens when a cyclist crashes into an open car door.
Here’s the thing: how can it be enforced? So far, the penalty hasn’t been spelled out. How could anyone prove a person didn’t look? If you open the door and a bicyclist runs into the door, you might have looked but failed to see them on the road zooming around. Maybe they cut in and out of traffic. If you’re like me, you look in the sideview mirror before opening the door when you park on the street. You may even move your whole head back. Ever have a close call even though you looked? I’ve been driving for almost 30 years, and have a couple close calls. And, believe me, I pay attention to what’s going on. I may need glasses, but I have incredible peripheral vision.
While we certainly want to protect bicyclists, they have to take responsibility and understand that riding on the streets is inherently unsafe, and they need to take precautions.
