doorzone

A door zone is a designated area on a roadway adjacent to parked vehicles, particularly along urban and suburban streets, where parked vehicles may pose a hazard to passing cyclists. This zone typically extends from the side of a parked car to the space where a vehicle begins to travel into the lane, and it is often identified as the space where a cyclist might be at risk of being hit by a vehicle door opening suddenly.

The concept of the door zone is important in cycling safety, as collisions often occur when cyclists pass parked cars and are struck by an opening door. To mitigate this risk, many cycling advocates and roadway designers recommend that cyclists avoid the door zone by maintaining a safe distance from parked vehicles, often suggested as at least one meter or three feet away from parked cars. This practice is sometimes referred to as "taking the lane" or "buffering" to ensure visibility and safety.

Urban planners and transportation authorities may implement specific infrastructure measures such as painted buffer zones, bike lanes set away from parked cars, or physical barriers to keep cyclists clear of door zones. Additionally, awareness campaigns encourage both motorists and cyclists to be vigilant: drivers should check for cyclists before opening doors, and cyclists should remain alert for opening doors when passing parked vehicles.

In summary, the door zone is a critical concept in cycling safety, emphasizing the need for awareness and infrastructure that protect cyclists from the hazards posed by parked vehicles.