car door'd, pain you can't afford

I have had a few close calls with car doors, never been hit. In all cases myself or the driver has corrected the problem before things got messy. Always keep an eye open for signs of a driver about to escape. Watch for lights turning off, check for heads in drivers seats - anticipate their movements. Slow down if you aren't sure. If the lane is free, move over a bit don't ride in the door zone.

In BC it is the person swinging the door that is at fault if a cyclist gets hit. When a cyclist gets hit by a door, it doesn't matter who's fault it is - the cyclist is already hurt, or worse. Try to avoid the problem. If you do get hit and feel fine, don't be quick to brush yourself off and ride away. Get the drivers info, file a police report, see a doctor if need be. You may feel fine in the present, but that might change when the adrenaline wears off.