Save Cyclist And Pedestrian Lives And Practice “Robert’s Reach” When Exiting Your Parked Car

On October 17th, 2023, Hollywood Producer Robert Joseph George was cycling to his gym when he was hit by a car door that opened into him – known as “dooring.” Having been ‘doored,’ Robert fell into the street and was immediately struck by an oncoming vehicle. He died shortly after from massive head trauma. 

How Could Robert’s Death Have Been Prevented?

Dooring is the #1 fear of urban cyclists, yet it can be prevented by a simple practice called the “Dutch Reach” or “Robert’s Reach,” as Robert’s wife Yasmine Nasser Diaz would like it to be known here in Los Angeles. Robert’s Reach is a life-saving action that can prevent drivers and passengers of parked cars from hitting (dooring) and killing a cyclist when exiting their vehicle. This is detailed in a new website about dooring and Robert’s Reach called RobertsReach.org. 

If you are unfamiliar, this is a simple practice for drivers and passengers where, rather than using your hand closest to the door to open it, you use your far hand. This choice sets off a series of five linked actions: reach, swivel, look back, and open slowly before you cautiously exit facing traffic. Opening the car door with your hand furthest from the door naturally turns your body to look for cyclists before exiting the vehicle.

Awareness and use of this practice, a tiny but life-saving gesture, could have prevented Robert’s death. It could also save the life of a driver exiting their car next to a high-speed road. Though this is not a common cause of injury or fatality, it does sometimes happen. 

What Can a Cyclist Do?

To be clear, California Vehicle Code 22517 places the blame squarely on the motorist or passenger who opens a door and hits a cyclist. This section reads:

“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 on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.”

As cyclists, we shouldn’t just hope that all motor vehicle occupants exercise necessary caution when exiting. It’s always advised that a cyclist ride outside the door zone, at least 4-5 feet away from stopped or parked vehicles, or take the full lane if that’s the safest thing to do. 

Per CalBike’s guide on cycling-related laws:

“If you’re moving slower than traffic, you can “take the lane” if it’s not wide enough for a bike and a vehicle to safely share side-by-side. The law says that people who ride bikes must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable except under the following conditions: when passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, if the lane is too narrow to share, or if approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.” This is per California Vehicle Code 21202.  

Many drivers may not realize that cyclists taking up an entire lane do so for the safety of everyone involved. 

Some drivers who read this might immediately point out that cyclists sometimes abuse this law, riding all over the car lanes without caution. I see them, too, and it shouldn’t be. The truth is those cyclists are in the minority, and it happens far less than when you see a crazy driver speeding down the road at ungodly speeds, weaving back and forth between lanes. The big difference is if a cyclist gets hit, they have almost no protection and are far more likely to suffer serious injuries or even die compared to a driver that has a 2000lb steel cage with airbags and seatbelts, etc. So drivers, be kind to cyclists, even the few who aren’t responsible for their actions. 

What Can We All Do?  

We must take every opportunity to educate our friends and associates about cyclists’ rights and responsibilities and the importance of Robert’s Reach. Don’t just talk about it; practice doing it. I know I’ve started to do Robert’s Reach when I get out of my car. 

Let’s start a grassroots movement to save lives – educate others about Robert’s Reach and cyclists taking the lane.