New Bike Lanes Hope To Eliminate 'Dooring' Factor

Actually, dooring (motorist or passenger exiting car opens door on passing cyclist) might still occur, but the driver would have to watch for passing cars, not cyclists, as the bike lane would be placed between the parked cars, buffer and the curb.

1 minute read

June 15, 2010, 2:00 PM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


A pilot project has been authorized for Golden Gate Park by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency along John F. Kennedy Drive to enhance cyclist safety. If successful, it could be applied city-wide. The striped buffer lanes are already in use in NYC.

"The $250,000 project will move parking spots away from the curb so bicyclists and cars no longer have to mingle on the roadway. The lanes are expected to protect bicyclists and encourage more cycling in The City."

"A painted buffer area between the parked cars and bikeway will provide space for passengers to enter and exit vehicles," the SFMTA said. "In areas without parking, the bikeway will be separated from the travel lane by a painted buffer area only."

"The lanes have been a success in Amsterdam, Copenhagen and New York City, said Andy Thornley, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition's" program manager. The lanes offer the comfort of safety and fluidity for cyclists, he said."

Correspondent's Note: The article does not include the width of the striped buffer lane, but it certainly will be wider than the single stripe provided by conventional bike lanes.

Thanks to MTC Headlines

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 in San Francisco Examiner

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

White bike symbol painted on green bike lane.

OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes

The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.

March 21 - Oklahoma City Free Press

Aerial view of downtown Houston, Texas skyline with low-rise housing in foreground.

Preserving Houston’s ‘Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing’

Unsubsidized, low-cost rental housing is a significant source of affordable housing for Houston households, but the supply is declining as units fall into disrepair or are redeveloped into more expensive units.

March 21 - Urban Edge

Small tree in bloom with pink flowers in front of home in Toronto, Canada.

The Most Popular Tree on Google?

Meet Rodney: the Toronto tree getting rave reviews.

March 21 - Toronto Star