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AUSTIN, Travis County, Texas, Sept. 25, 2026 — A woman riding an e-bike died Wednesday morning, September 23, after a crash on South Lamar Boulevard in Austin.
Officers responded around 9:33 a.m. to the 1700 block of South Lamar Boulevard, where a vehicle pulling a trailer and a Lime e-bike had collided. The rider, identified by police as 31-year-old Celeste Garcia, was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead there at 10:38 a.m.
The driver stayed at the scene and was determined not to be intoxicated, investigators said. The driver is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Police said the crash marks Austin's 60th fatal traffic crash of 2026, and its 61st traffic death this year. At this point in 2025, the department had logged 74 fatal crashes and 78 deaths, officials said. Police described the details released so far as preliminary and said they could change as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact APD's Vehicular Homicide Unit.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
A Common Misconception About E-Bike Crashes
Many people assume e-bike crashes mostly happen in quiet neighborhoods or on recreational trails, away from heavy traffic. In practice, e-bikes are increasingly used for everyday transportation on busy urban corridors, the same streets carrying cars, trucks, and trailers at speed.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 81 percent of pedalcyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023. That figure cuts against the idea that cyclists and e-bike riders face their greatest risk outside of cities. Dense street grids, frequent turns, and mixed traffic all play a role.
The assumption that rural roads or long open stretches pose the bigger threat doesn't hold up against the pattern in the data. Most fatal encounters between riders and vehicles happen where both are concentrated: in town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does speed affect the severity of an e-bike crash?
Even modest increases in vehicle speed raise the force of impact and reduce the time a driver has to react or stop. Lower speed limits and slower turning speeds generally correspond to less severe outcomes for riders.
Why is distracted driving especially dangerous around e-bikes and cyclists?
E-bikes can be smaller and less visible than cars, and a distracted driver may miss a rider entirely, especially at intersections, driveways, or when a vehicle is turning or towing a trailer.
What should someone do immediately after a crash involving an e-bike?
Call 911, stay at the scene, and avoid moving anyone who may be injured unless there's immediate danger. Exchange information with other parties and, if possible, note the time, location, and any road or weather conditions for the police report.
What to Do After an E-Bike Crash in Austin, TX
If you witness or are involved in an e-bike crash in Austin, call 911 right away so paramedics and police can respond. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is worth getting, since some injuries from these collisions don't show symptoms immediately.
Cooperate with responding officers and provide an accurate account of what you saw or experienced. If you're not directly involved but have information about a crash under investigation, local police departments generally welcome tips through their traffic or vehicular homicide units. Keeping any photos, videos, or written notes from the scene can also help investigators piece together what happened.
