On my way into work today, one of the Avenues was blocked off and there were a whole bunch of police and ambulances there. After all the drills and false alarms this summer, I was pretty used to seeing this so I wandered closer to see what was going on.
I then saw a powerful photo that I couldn't take. In between two ambulances, a perfectly framed and twisted bicycle. With a Yankee cap resting on the ground a few feet away.
There didn't seem to be much urgency in the ambulance crew and a few steps proved there was no need. The driver of the truck was quite distraught. It was hard to tell what happened, and truthfully I didn't really want to know.
As someone who's skated and biked the streets of NYC for years, I've had my share of close calls, bumps, and near misses. I've been "doored" and I've tripped. I've been lucky, but I'm also pretty cautious. I always wear my helmet and I am very defensive. Still, a sobering sight this morning which stayed with me the whole day.
Update: It was a bike messenger and he was doored. Speaking from experience, it happens so fast it's almost impossible to avoid. The only thing you can do is keep your eye on cars/trucks 4 or 5 cars in front of you. You'll usually see movement before the door actually opens. It's why there are stickers in cabs saying exit on the sidewalk side of the car. Really sad.