Why can cyclists just look inside the parked cars and move out when they see somebody in a car?
Just like driving a car, a bicyclists must constantly scan the entire roadway for safety. Dividing their attention too also scan inside of parked cars compromises their attention to the roadway. Additionally, it is often impossible to see people sitting in parked cars due to tinted windows, headrests, other parked vehicles creating blind spots, etc. Although it is the auto driver’s responsibility to open the door only when safe (CVC Section 22517), it is the bicyclist who ultimately pays the price.
