Earlier this week, the Chicago Tribune wrote a story about the issue of "dooring"--vehicle drivers opening their doors into the path of oncoming bicyclists.  Unfortunately, the article did not include any information about the CDOT Bicycle Program's many efforts to address the problem.

In addition to spearheading several 2008 ordinances to establish fines for dangerous motorist behavior--including dooring--the CDOT Bicycle Program has:

• Conducted enforcement events with police officers and Bicycling Ambassadors in 8 wards at 18 locations targeting dooring behavior in 2010.
• Produced a series of safety videos in 2010, one which specifically addresses cyclists avoiding cars, another which addresses motorist behaviors that endanger cyclists, including dooring.
• Collected any and all crash data related to dooring in the City of Chicago; this has been done since 2008.

In 2011:

• The Bicycling Ambassadors will work with Chicago Police in 15 wards at 30 locations targeting dooring.
• Bike Program staff will attend Police role calls in four districts to discuss issues related to behaviors like dooring that endanger cyclists.

 The Bicycle Program continues to look for new ways to address this important issue.