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KENNEWICK, Benton County, Wash., Sept. 25, 2026 — A 12-year-old boy on a bicycle was injured on Wednesday evening, September 23, after being struck by a vehicle at N Fruitland St and W Entiat Ave in Kennewick.
The collision was reported around 5:56 p.m. The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and reported the crash, according to the report.
The boy was conscious after the crash and complained of head pain, dispatchers said. Fire and medical units, including a battalion chief, an engine crew, and a medic unit, were sent to the scene to treat him.
The crash remains under investigation. Details on what led up to the collision have not been released, and it is unclear whether any citations are expected.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
How Investigators Piece Together a Bicycle Crash
A crash between a vehicle and a bicyclist typically starts with officers securing the scene and getting medical care underway before anything else. Once the immediate danger has passed, investigators measure skid marks, photograph the positions of the bike and vehicle, and speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh. In cases involving a minor, officers often wait to release names or full details until a parent or guardian has been notified and is prepared to speak with the family.
Reconstructing exactly how a collision happened can take time. Investigators may review traffic camera footage, check vehicle data recorders, and reinterview witnesses days or weeks later as the picture becomes clearer. A final report, especially one that includes a determination of fault or contributing factors, often is not completed for weeks after the crash itself.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,166 pedalcyclists were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. That toll is a reminder that even crashes that do not turn fatal, like collisions involving child cyclists, are treated with the same careful documentation, because the findings can matter later for insurance, safety planning, or family peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "dooring" and why is it dangerous?
Dooring happens when someone in a parked car opens a door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, giving the rider little or no time to react. It's a leading cause of bike injuries in areas with roadside parking, particularly on narrow streets.
How can cyclists stay safer in traffic?
Riding predictably, using lights and reflective gear, following traffic signals, and making eye contact with drivers at intersections all help. Choosing routes with bike lanes or lower traffic volume also reduces risk, especially for young or less experienced riders.
What should a cyclist do after a crash with a car?
If possible, move to a safe spot, call 911, and wait for police and medical responders. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical check is worthwhile since some injuries, particularly head injuries, are not obvious right away.
Do cyclists have the same road rights as drivers?
In most states, including Washington, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers on the road, including the right to a full lane where no bike lane exists.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Kennewick, WA
Anyone involved in or witnessing a bicycle collision in Kennewick should call 911 right away and stay on scene until emergency crews arrive. Even when a cyclist appears alert, as this young rider was, a full medical evaluation is important since head injuries can worsen or reveal symptoms hours later.
Parents of young cyclists should keep records of any medical visits and follow up with a pediatrician even after emergency treatment. If police responded, request the case or incident number for insurance purposes. Taking photos of the scene, if it's safe to do so, and noting the names of any witnesses can also help clarify what happened later.
