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HEMET, Riverside County, Calif., Sept. 26, 2026 — A bicyclist was hurt on Friday evening, September 25, in a collision with a vehicle on Kirby Street in Hemet. The crash happened around 7:19 p.m. just north of Commonwealth Avenue, according to the report.
American Medical Response paramedics took the bicyclist to a local hospital for evaluation. The extent of the injuries has not been officially confirmed. A bystander at the scene told a reporter the bicyclist appeared to have hurt a leg, but that detail has not been verified by authorities.
Northbound Kirby Street remained closed at Commonwealth Avenue while crews investigated, and drivers were urged to avoid the area. No information on the vehicle involved or its driver has been released.
The circumstances of the crash are still under investigation. No further details have been made public.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
When Bicycle Crashes Are Most Likely to Happen in Hemet
Evening hours bring a mix of conditions that raise the odds of a car striking a cyclist. As daylight fades, drivers have less time to spot someone on a bike, and headlights can wash out a cyclist's silhouette against store lights and traffic signals. Commute traffic is usually still heavy at that hour, adding more vehicles to intersections and turn lanes where cyclists are hardest to see.
Fatigue and reduced attention also creep in as the day winds down, for drivers and cyclists alike. Riders may be heading home after work or school, sharing the road with cars that are moving faster or making quick turns near driveways and cross streets.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, bicycle fatalities decreased from 183 in 2022 to 145 in 2023. Weekday evenings, particularly around dusk, remain a period when the mix of commuter traffic and lower visibility tends to concentrate these crashes more than other times of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "dooring" and why is it dangerous?
Dooring happens when someone opens a parked car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, giving the rider little or no time to react. It can cause serious falls or force a cyclist into traffic, and it's one of the more common causes of bike injuries in urban areas.
How can cyclists stay safer in traffic?
Riding predictably, using lights and reflective gear after dark, and staying visible in a driver's line of sight all help. Following the same traffic laws as vehicles, including stopping at signals and signaling turns, also reduces confusion at intersections.
What should a cyclist do after a crash with a car?
Call 911, stay at the scene if possible, and get checked by medical personnel even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, especially to joints or the head, aren't obvious right away. Getting the responding agency's report number can help later.
Do cyclists have the same road rights as drivers?
In California, cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists on public roads, including the right to a full lane in many situations. Drivers are required to share the road and pass at a safe distance.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Hemet, CA
If you're involved in a bicycle collision, the priority is checking for injuries and calling for medical help, even if you feel okay in the moment. Adrenaline can mask pain from a leg injury, a bump to the head, or bruising that shows up hours later.
Once you're safe, try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses nearby. Photos of the scene, the bike, and any visible injuries can help down the road. If police or paramedics respond, ask for a copy of the report or the incident number for your own records.
Give yourself time to recover, and follow up with a doctor if new symptoms appear in the days after the crash. Hemet's mix of busy streets and residential routes means cyclists and drivers share the road usually, so a calm, documented response after any collision helps everyone involved.
