Bicyclist in Poland meets head-on with a car's door
In Bielefeld, Germany, on Monday, September 1, 2025, a cyclist was involved in an unfortunate incident that occurred at around 5:15 PM on Weststraße, the city centre.
A 61-year-old man from Bielefeld was cycling when he collided with the door of a Mini Cooper S, driven by a 25-year-old woman from the same city. The woman was exiting her parked car at the time of the accident.
The cyclist was unable to brake or swerve in time to avoid the car door and sustained minor injuries as a result. An ambulance was promptly called to the scene, and the cyclist was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The police are reminding drivers to use the "Dutch Reach" when exiting a car to prevent such incidents. This method involves opening the car door with your right hand, turning your upper body, and looking directly behind you. This simple action can help spot approaching cyclists that might have been missed in the side mirror.
Passengers are also advised to use their left hand to automatically turn towards the back when exiting a car. This habit can help drivers remember to check their blind spots before opening the door.
The accident took place in broad daylight, serving as a reminder for drivers to maintain a minimum safety distance of one meter when passing parked or stationary cars.
The official website for the Bielefeld police department is https://bielefeld.polizei.nrw/. For press inquiries, you can contact the Polizeipräsidium Bielefeld's Press and Public Relations department. Outside of office hours, inquiries can be directed to the Control Centre at 0521/545-0.
The police department encourages everyone to stay vigilant on the roads and to always prioritise safety, whether they are behind the wheel or on a bicycle.
