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DENVER, Denver County, Colo., Sept. 25, 2026 — A bicyclist suffered serious injuries on Wednesday afternoon, September 23, in a crash with a motorist near 12th Avenue and Delaware Street, according to the Denver Police Department. The person was taken to a local hospital.
The crash happened in the area of 12th Avenue and Delaware Street, prompting traffic delays while officers worked the scene, the department said in a post on social media. Details about how the collision occurred have not been released.
It is not yet known whether the bicyclist was riding in a marked lane or whether either party involved has been cited. Denver police described the case as an active investigation into a crash causing serious injury.
No further information on the extent of injuries or the condition of those involved has been made public. Detectives have not said whether charges are expected.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Why Bike Lane Gaps Put Cyclists in the Path of Cars
Bicyclist and motorist crashes usually trace back not to a single bad decision but to where a street simply stops accommodating a bike. A protected lane can end at an intersection, forcing a rider into a general traffic lane exactly where cars are turning, merging, or accelerating away from a light. Drivers scanning for other vehicles do not always expect a cyclist to suddenly be sharing that space.
Intersections without dedicated bike signals or turn boxes compound the problem. A driver making a right or left turn is watching for oncoming cars and pedestrians, and a cyclist coming from an unexpected angle, particularly one exiting a lane that just disappeared, can go unnoticed until it is too late to stop.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol involvement was reported in 34 percent of fatal pedalcyclist crashes in 2023. That figure points to impaired driving and riding as a recurring factor even in a category of crash usually blamed purely on road design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can cyclists stay safer in traffic?
Riding predictably, using lights and reflective gear, and choosing routes with continuous bike infrastructure rather than lanes that stop and start can reduce exposure to conflict points with vehicles.
What should a cyclist do after a crash with a car?
Call 911, stay at the scene, get medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, and get the other driver's information along with any officer's name and report number.
Do cyclists have the same road rights as drivers?
In Colorado and most states, cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, including the right to use travel lanes when no safe bike lane is available.
Are bicycle accidents more common at intersections?
Yes. Intersections are where turning, merging, and crossing paths overlap, making them a frequent site for bicyclist and motorist collisions.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Denver, CO
Anyone involved in a bicycle crash in Denver should seek medical attention promptly, even if pain or injury isn't immediately obvious, since some injuries take hours to show symptoms. Contact the Denver Police Department to file or follow up on a report, and keep a copy of the report number for your records.
It also helps to photograph the scene, note weather and lighting conditions, and get contact information for any witnesses before they leave. If a bike helmet or lights were damaged, keep them as they may be relevant later. Following up with a doctor in the days after the crash, even for what feels like minor soreness, is a good precaution.
