Door Zone: Riding Past Parked Cars
A row of classmates acts as parked cars that open their doors using pool noodles, and riders learn to stay out of the door zone and spot signs that someone is about to get out. Students practice lane position, anticipation and safe city cycling.
How to play
- Chalk a 30-yard lane and, along one side, 6 cone "cars" with a seated student in each holding a pool noodle as a door.
- Draw two lines: one right next to the cars and one 3 feet beyond the doors, marking the safe position.
- Round 1 (5 min), at walking speed: riders use the line next to the cars; a car opens its door when the rider is 5 yards away, and the rider must brake or swerve.
- Round 2 (6 min): riders use the safe line and watch the drivers; anyone about to open raises a hand first, like a head visible inside.
- In pairs, the partner records whether the rider scanned the cars and kept the distance (5 min).
- Rotate so everyone rides and drives, then wrap up by discussing the Dutch reach: opening the door with the far hand so you look back.
Rules
- Doors open slowly, at hip height and only when the rider is at least 5 yards away.
- Helmets buckled and one bike in the lane at a time.
- If you can't swerve safely, brake.
- Drivers never stand up or step into the lane.
Variations
Easier
Walk the bike alongside first, then ride very slowly.
Standard
Ride two rounds, inside and outside the door zone, with warning signals.
Harder
Add a car driving behind, and the rider must look back before moving away from the parked cars.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student serves as a driver or travels the lane in a wheelchair using the same distances.
- Hearing impairment: the door warning is always visual, with a raised hand.
- Inexperienced riders: walk the course first, then ride at minimum speed.
Learning goals
- Ride a safe distance from parked cars.
- Anticipate an opening door from visual cues.
- Understand lane position as a key safety factor for cyclists.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bikes: 6
- helmets: 6
- cones: 24
- pool noodles: 6
- chalk: 6
Teacher tip
Use soft noodles and make sure no one thrusts them out hard. Many students think hugging parked cars is the cautious choice; round 1 shows them otherwise with no real risk.
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