Merrillville, IN (September 5, 2026) – A bicyclist died after being struck by a vehicle near 61st Avenue and Interstate 65 at about 10:50 p.m. on Thursday, September 3.
Emergency units found the rider injured in the roadway. The bicyclist was taken to a nearby hospital but later lost their life.
Parts of 61st Avenue were closed for several hours while the roadway was examined.
The crash remains under investigation. We extend our sincere condolences to the bicyclist’s family and loved ones.
Why Can Interstate Crossings Create Added Risks for Bicyclists?
Roads near interstate entrances and exits often carry heavier traffic and more frequent turning movements. Drivers may be watching for merging vehicles, traffic signals, or gaps in traffic while bicyclists travel through the same crossing.
These corridors can also include wider lanes and higher approach speeds than smaller neighborhood streets. A bicycle’s narrow profile may be harder to notice at night, particularly when surrounding headlights, signs, and roadway lighting compete for a driver’s attention.
Bicyclists have little physical protection when contacted by a motor vehicle. Visibility, vehicle speed, lighting, travel direction, and the angle of contact can all affect the severity of harm. Extra space and careful scanning are especially important where local streets connect with major highway routes.
