DEAR ABBY: Some time ago, you printed a letter about people carelessly opening car doors in parking lots, marring adjacent cars. Paint nicks and surface dents barely scratch the surface of this issue. But car doors opened into traffic cause much worse damage -- to bicyclists.
Most states require cyclists to ride on the right, beside parked cars. No cyclist is psychic enough to anticipate when a car door is about to open in front of him, and many serious injuries have resulted from such an action.
A growing number of people commute by bicycles, and most cyclists will tell you that their most constant fear is getting "doored." It's happened to me, and although it was painful, I was fortunate that my bicycle was damaged more than my body.
Vehicle occupants have the benefit of rearview mirrors. This is why most states require drivers to check those mirrors and only then carefully open the doors without impeding traffic -- including bicycles.
If you drive, please remember that cyclists aren't just "careless kids." Many of us are responsible adults who've speeded up your commute by keeping our cars off the road. In return, please realize that we are vulnerable, and check your mirror carefully before reaching for your door handle. -- MICHAEL KATZ, STEERING COMMITTEE, BICYCLE-FRIENDLY BERKELEY COALITION
DEAR MICHAEL: You've given voice to a small but important group who care about the environment as well as their own safety. More pedal power to you!