“I would like to share my story as a cautionary tale and to remind drivers/passengers to check for bikers in the bike lane before opening their car doors.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

“Dear PoPville,

I was riding in to work yesterday morning around 8:30am on 4th street, headed SE towards Navy Yard, when someone doored me. The right side of my body slammed into the door, I flipped over the door, and landed on my left side. My bike seat completely turned and my tires need to be looked at for repairs.

Police arrived on the scene, and I was taken to the ER by ambulance. I am lucky to say that I was able to walk away with some bruising on my ribs and legs and a fractured elbow.

Normally when biking if I notice someone has just parked or is in their car I give them extra space, as I am aware most drivers are not in the habit of checking for bikers. However in this instance, the woman in the car had been parked for a while and her car was not on, therefore I could not tell anyone was inside the vehicle. It just so happened that right as I was coasting by, the woman swung her car door open without looking and the impact could not be avoided.

Other than being in pain from the brusing/swelling and having my Tuesday ruined, I predict I will make a speedy recovery.

This could have ended A LOT worse for me. The woman was cited and ticketed by the police. Please, please, please remember to double check for bikers in the bike lane when getting out of your vehicle. It could save someones life, or at the very least, their Tuesday.”