Ventura, CA (June 12, 2026) – A vehicle struck cyclists on State Route 1 near Emma Wood State Beach on Thursday evening, June 11, resulting in a fatality. The crash was reported in the Rincon area, just north of the Emma Wood State Beach campground. Pacific Coast Highway was shut down at Faria to the north and Solimar to the south for a long-term closure.
Emergency units were on the scene for several hours. A drone was deployed to assist with the investigation, and an evidence tow was requested for the vehicle involved. The roadway was reopened later that night after the scene was cleared.
No identities of those involved in the collision were released as of this report. This accident remains under active investigation, and further details will be made available as they are confirmed.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the victim.
What Drivers Should Know About Sharing the Road with Cyclists on California’s Coastal Highways
State Route 1, commonly known as Pacific Coast Highway, is one of the most heavily traveled cycling routes in California, drawing both recreational riders and commuters year-round. The road runs alongside the ocean with limited shoulder space in many stretches, which means cyclists and drivers share the same narrow lanes with little physical separation. This layout makes the highway particularly unforgiving when a driver fails to maintain a safe distance from a rider.
California law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing. On roads without bike lanes, cyclists are legally permitted to ride in the travel lane, and drivers must slow down and wait for a safe opportunity to pass rather than squeezing by at full speed. Visibility also becomes a serious concern near dusk and after dark, when cyclists can be harder to spot, especially on stretches of highway without street lighting.
