SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bike-door-zone

Riding experts say to stay out of the 'door zone'. What is it?

The space next to parked cars where a door could swing open.

Start playing free

  1. The space next to parked cars where doors open ✔
  2. The area in front of a garage
  3. The bike lane on a bridge

Why: A car door can open right in front of you with no warning. Riding a door's width away from parked cars gives you room. That might mean riding farther into the lane.

Huh, didn't know that: Getting hit by an opening car door is called 'dooring'.

The dad joke
Knock knock. Who's there? Not me, I ride outside the door zone.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: The space next to parked cars where doors open. A car door can open right in front of you with no warning. Riding a door's width away from parked cars gives you room. That might mean riding farther into the lane.

  1. League of American Bicyclists: Rules of the Road bikeleague.org/ridesmart/rules-of-the-road
    Watch for turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cars.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessThe 'Dutch Reach' helps protect bike riders. What does it tell people in parked cars to do?Sports & FitnessIn Washington, who has the legal duty to make sure a car door opens safely into traffic?Sports & FitnessIn the ABC Quick Check, what does the C stand for?

That's stuff everyone should know.