Queens, NY (May 23, 2026) – A cyclist suffered critical injuries after striking an open car door and being thrown into traffic in the Edgemere section of Queens, according to police.
Investigators said the collision happened just before 8 a.m. on Friday, May 22, near Beach 43rd Street and Beach Channel Drive. Police said a 15-year-old passenger opened the rear driver’s side door of a parked Mercedes as a 48-year-old cyclist was traveling along the street.
The cyclist struck the open door and was thrown into oncoming traffic, where he was then hit by a Toyota Highlander. The man was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition with severe head and body trauma.
Police said the 29-year-old Toyota driver and the 48-year-old Mercedes driver remained at the scene following the wreck. No arrests had been announced as of Friday afternoon.
Investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the serious bicycle collision in Queens. We are thinking of the injured cyclist and hope for his recovery.
Why “Dooring” Crashes Can Be Dangerous for Cyclists
Dooring crashes occur when a vehicle door opens into the path of a nearby cyclist. These collisions can be especially dangerous because riders may have little time or space to avoid contact, particularly on busy streets with moving traffic beside parked vehicles.
When a cyclist is knocked into an active traffic lane, the risk of secondary impacts with passing vehicles increases significantly. Head injuries and other severe trauma are common in these types of crashes due to the lack of physical protection for riders.
Investigators reviewing bicycle collisions often examine surveillance footage, vehicle positioning, and roadway design. They may also look at traffic flow, visibility, and whether the cyclist had enough room to safely avoid the open door before entering traffic.