Dooring, Bike Lane Violations and Cyclist Injuries on Philly Streets: What PA Law Says

Bicycle accidents are a serious issue in Philadelphia, especially as the cycling community continues to grow. In a city with heavy traffic and street parking, cyclists are often at risk of injury. Common cyclist injuries are caused by collisions with car doors (“dooring”), vehicles blocking bike lanes, and unsafe passing. In September, Philadelphia saw its deadliest month for bicyclists in 2025, when three cyclists were victims of fatal collisions in Philadelphia.

Organizations like the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia have been created to bring awareness to cycling accidents in the city. The organization leads the movement to make every bicycle ride safe, empower youth and adults to ride, and foster a ridership that reflects the region’s diversity through advocacy and education.

Cyclists have legal rights under Pennsylvania law that protect them. When drivers fail to follow those laws, injured cyclists may have the right to seek compensation. The experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Munley Law can help victims of cycling accidents. Our Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyers have spent the last 67 years fighting for bicycle accident victims throughout the Philadelphia area. With over 250 years of combined legal experience and over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, our team knows what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.

What is “Dooring” and How Dangerous Is It?

When a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, the cyclist can collide with the door—this is called a “dooring” accident. This happens frequently in large, dense cities like Philadelphia due to parallel parking, busy commercial blocks, and increased rideshare use. In these instances, cyclists have little time to react and often collide with an open car door.

Typical injuries caused by dooring crashes include broken wrists or collarbones, facial injuries and concussions, road rash and soft-tissue injuries, and secondary collisions with moving traffic. In more severe cases, dooring can be fatal.

Pennsylvania Dooring Law: What the Vehicle Code Says

Cyclists are protected from dooring accidents under Pennsylvania Vehicle Code §3705. Under this code, drivers and passengers cannot open a vehicle door unless it is reasonably safe and will not interfere with traffic. Violating this rule can result in traffic citations and/or civil liability if someone is injured.  This law is put in place to remind Pennsylvanians that cyclists riding legally in a travel lane or bike lane generally have the right of way.

Bike Lane Violations: A Major Cause of Philadelphia Cycling Crashes

Bike lane violations are often the cause of cycling crashes and injuries due to the high volume of cars on narrow Philadelphia streets. Drivers frequently violate bike lanes by parking or double-parking in them, using them for pickup or drop off, and driving through them while turning. This is dangerous because it forces cyclists into moving traffic, which causes sudden swerves or collisions.

In December 2024, the city passed the “Get Out The Bike Lane” law to penalize stopping, standing, or parking in a bike lane. The legislation was introduced after the death of a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who was killed while legally riding in a bike lane.

The “Four-Foot Passing Rule” and Other Pennsylvania Bicycle Protections

Pennsylvania law requires drivers to leave at least four feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. Drivers may cross the center line to pass safely when necessary.

There are other important bicycle rules under Pennsylvania law:

• Bicycles are legally considered vehicles
• Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers
• Cyclists may use the lane when necessary for safety

Who is Liable When a Cyclist is Injured?

In an accident with a cyclist and driver, potential responsible parties include the driver who opened the door, a passenger exiting the vehicle, a commercial driver or rideshare operator, and employers if the driver was on the clock. Pennsylvania has a comparative negligence law, meaning compensation may be reduced if a cyclist shares some fault in the accident.

Important evidence for determining liability consists of witness testimony, police reports, surveillance footage, and vehicle and insurance information.

What Compensation an Injured Cyclist May Be Entitled To

Below is a non-comprehensive list of the types of damages in a bicycle accident claim:

• Medical bills and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Bicycle and equipment damage
• Rehabilitation or long-term disability

Bicycle injuries specifically can result in high medical costs and can involve insurance complexities.

What to do After a Dooring or Bike Lane Crash in Philadelphia

Since bike accidents are dangerous, but also difficult to navigate, follow these practical steps as an injured cyclist.

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Call the police and obtain a crash report
• Photograph the scene, vehicle and bike lane conditions
• Collect witness contact information
• Avoid discussing fault with insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney at Munley Law

How Munley Law Can Help

At Munley Law, our Philadelphia-based attorneys are no strangers to cycling accidents. We can investigate the crash and identify liable parties, work with insurance companies, gather medical evidence and calculate damages, and negotiate settlements or file lawsuits when necessary.

Cycling is a vital part of Philadelphia’s transportation system, but cyclists are at risk when on the roads. Drivers and passengers must follow the law to keep cyclists safe. When negligence causes injuries, cyclists should understand their legal options. If you are the victim of a cycling accident, we are here to help you. Contact Munley Law today.