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Cyclist dies in Queens after crashing into car door opened by driver, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Oct 28, 2025
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By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Oct 28, 2025
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A cyclist died in Queens on Monday night after slamming into a parked driver’s open car door, police said.
Cristian Villafuerte Vasquez, 26, was riding a traditional bike in North Corona around 6:30 p.m. when the 25-year-old driver of a BMW 3 Series sedan parked at the intersection of 108th Street and 38th Avenue opened his door to exit the car, according to NYPD officials.
Villafuerte Vasquez collided with the door and sustained serious head trauma, officials said. First responders brought him to Elmhurst Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said the driver stayed at the scene and has not been charged with a crime.
Getting “doored” has long posed a serious risk for New York City cyclists, who are encouraged to ride as far to the right as possible on roads without dedicated bike lanes. An e-bike rider was killed in Queens on Aug. 25 after a Mercedes-Benz driver opened his door and the rider hit it, amNewYork reported. Police made no immediate arrests in that incident, according to the outlet.
NYPD data shows collisions involving traditional bikes have declined slightly so far this year, with 3,670 reported through Oct. 19 compared to 3,695 up to the same point last year. Crashes involving e-bikes are up by 36%, at more than 700, the data shows.
The city has recorded more than 170 traffic deaths in 2025, down from more than 200 by this time in 2024, according to the figures. Transportation officials are urging drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to remain vigilant as the sun sets earlier — especially after daylight saving time ends this Sunday — and visibility on city roads diminishes during the evening.
This is a developing story based on preliminary information from police and may be updated.
Tagged
new york city
north corona
public safety
queens
transportation
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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