BUFFALO, Erie County, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2026 — A bicyclist was struck by a car on Tuesday afternoon, October 13, on East Delavan Avenue in Buffalo, according to the Buffalo Fire Department.
The crash was reported near 1253 East Delavan Avenue. It was logged as a vehicle-versus-bicycle collision, and multiple units responded to the scene.
The extent of any injuries has not been released. The condition of the bicyclist was not confirmed when emergency crews responded.
No further details about the driver or the circumstances leading up to the crash have been made public. The incident remains under investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
What Actually Reduces Bicycle Crashes Like This One
A car door swinging open into a bike lane, a pothole forcing a sudden swerve, a parked truck blocking a rider's sightline: these are the kinds of hazards that turn an ordinary ride into a crash in seconds, often before a driver or cyclist has time to react. Much of what keeps cyclists safe has less to do with any single person's attention and more to do with how a street is built and maintained.
Protected bike lanes that physically separate riders from moving traffic and parked cars reduce dooring incidents because cyclists aren't riding directly alongside car doors. Better lighting at intersections and along corridors with bike traffic helps drivers see cyclists earlier, especially during low-light hours. Signal timing that gives cyclists a head start at intersections, sometimes called a leading bicycle interval, reduces conflicts when a driver turning right doesn't notice a rider going straight.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedalcyclist fatalities accounted for 2.9 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. Road design changes, paired with driver habits like checking mirrors before opening a door and scanning for cyclists before turning, are the combination most often credited with bringing that number down over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can cyclists stay safer in traffic?
Riding predictably, using lights and reflective gear, and staying out of a vehicle's blind spots all help. Choosing routes with protected lanes or lower traffic speeds when possible also reduces exposure to sudden hazards, such as opening doors.
What should a cyclist do after a crash with a car?
Call 911, get checked by medical personnel even if injuries seem minor, and get a copy of the police report. Taking photos of the scene and exchanging information with the driver can matter later.
Do cyclists have the same road rights as drivers?
In most states, including New York, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers on public roads, including the right to a full lane where needed.
Are bicycle crashes more common at intersections?
Yes. Intersections are where most car-bike conflicts happen, largely because of turning vehicles and limited sightlines, which is why signal timing and visibility improvements are often targeted there first.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Buffalo, NY
If you're involved in a bicycle crash in Buffalo, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even if you feel okay, a medical evaluation is important, since injuries like concussions or internal bruising aren't always obvious right after a crash.
Try to get the names and contact information of the driver and any witnesses, and ask for a copy of the official police report once it's filed. Keeping records of any medical visits, bills, or damage to your bike can help later if you need to file an insurance claim.