Portland, WI (September 9, 2026) – A 72-year-old bicyclist was injured after being struck by a vehicle on Monday night, September 7, on County Road I in the Town of Portland, Dodge County.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash at about 7:10 p.m. Investigators determined that a 2023 Audi driven by a 46-year-old Waterloo woman was traveling south on County Road I when it struck a southbound bicycle ridden by a 72-year-old Waterloo man.
The bicyclist was wearing a helmet and was transported by Waterloo EMS to UW Hospital in Madison for treatment. The Audi driver was not injured. Waterloo Police Department and Waterloo EMS assisted at the scene, and the crash remained under investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Team.
Our thoughts are with the injured bicyclist and his loved ones. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.
What Should Drivers Know About Sharing the Road With Bicyclists?
Bicyclists are more vulnerable to serious injuries because they have much less protection than people inside motor vehicles. Drivers should give bicycles adequate space when passing and remain alert for cyclists traveling in the same direction. Checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning can help drivers identify bicycles that may be nearby.
Road position and visibility are especially important on roads without dedicated bicycle lanes. Drivers should reduce speed when approaching cyclists and avoid passing unless there is enough room to do so safely. At intersections and driveways, motorists should also watch for bicycles that may be traveling alongside or crossing their path.
Bicyclists can improve their visibility by using required lighting and reflectors and by wearing bright or reflective clothing when conditions make visibility difficult. Wearing a properly fitted helmet can also help reduce the risk of certain head injuries. Both motorists and cyclists benefit from staying predictable, following traffic rules, and remaining attentive to changing roadway conditions.