Patricia Keenan, Kelowna cyclist, mourned after fatal crash into car door

Friends and family are mourning the death of a Kelowna, B.C.woman who died last weekafter crashing into a car door.

On July 14, Patricia Keenan was cycling behind a friend on Bernard Avenue, towards the city's downtown, when someone suddenly opened the driver's side door of a parked car.

Keenan, 38,slammed into the doorand, despite wearing a helmet, sustained serious head injuries. She died in hospital two days later.

Keenanhada 10-year-old son.

"That is such a terrible waste. It's so sad for a young mother to come to her demise in this fashion," said Keenan's neighbour Hans Kruiswyk.

Getting 'doored' common, advocate says

Cycling advocates say the community has a long way to go to make city streets safe for bike riders.

Kelowna Cycling CoalitionspokesmanLandonBradshawtold CBC News thatgetting "doored" by motoristswho have not checked their mirrors is a serious issue for cyclists.

"It is not a bizarre occurrence," said Bradshaw."It's happened to me. I know plenty of cyclists that it's happened to."

Bradshawsaid he believes conditions have improved for cyclists on thestreets of Kelowna, in B.C.'s Okanagan region,in recent years. But he said more driver education is needed to prevent similar tragedies.