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EL CAJON, San Diego County, Calif., Oct. 3, 2026 — A bicyclist was hurt on Friday afternoon, October 2, when a car struck them at the intersection of Jamacha Road and Brabham Street in El Cajon.
The crash was reported shortly before 3 p.m. and involved a white Toyota RAV4 and a bicyclist, the California Highway Patrol said. The rider was reported standing after the collision, according to the incident log, though the extent of any injuries has not been released.
Responding units classified the crash as a minor-injury collision. A traffic hazard was noted at the intersection following the impact, and officers were sent to manage the scene. No further details on citations or fault have been released. The crash remains under review.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Why Car-Bicycle Crashes Cause So Much Damage at Intersections
A bicycle offers almost nothing between its rider and the vehicle that hits it. There is no frame of steel around the person, no crumple zone, no airbag. The bicycle itself weighs a few dozen pounds; a compact SUV like a RAV4 weighs well over 3,000 pounds. That weight gap means even a low-speed hit transfers most of its force directly into the rider and the bike.
Closing speed matters as much as the weight difference. A vehicle turning or crossing at an intersection usually isn't moving fast, but a cyclist has little room to react or brace because bike lanes and crosswalks put riders in the direct path of turning traffic with no physical barrier separating them. Helmets and reflective gear reduce some risk to the head, but they do nothing to change the physics of a car striking a much lighter, unprotected rider.
Intersections concentrate these crashes because that's where paths cross: a driver turning right or left usually isn't scanning for a bicycle moving at a different speed and angle than car traffic. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, bicycle fatalities decreased from 183 in 2022 to 145 in 2023, a sign that infrastructure and awareness changes can move the numbers even though the basic mismatch in size and protection between bikes and vehicles hasn't changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a cyclist do after being hit by a car?
Move to a safe spot if possible, call 911, and wait for police to document the scene. Get checked by a medical provider even if injuries seem minor, since some, like concussions or soft-tissue damage, aren't obvious right away.
Do cyclists have the same rights on the road as drivers?
In California, bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, including the right of way at intersections when it's their turn.
Are bicycle crashes more likely to happen at intersections?
Yes. Many car-bicycle collisions occur at intersections, where turning vehicles cross paths with cyclists who have little space to maneuver or brake.
What injuries are most common for cyclists in these crashes?
Common injuries include road rash, fractures, and head or neck injuries, even in lower-speed collisions, because riders have minimal protection compared to vehicle occupants.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in El Cajon, CA
If you're involved in a bicycle collision in El Cajon, prioritize safety first: get out of traffic if you can and call for medical help. Even if you feel fine, a follow-up exam can catch injuries that aren't immediately apparent. Report the crash to police so there's an official record, and take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so. Keep any paperwork from medical visits or the police report in case you need it later.
