Available 
KENNEWICK, Benton County, Wash., Oct. 9, 2026 — An 11 year old girl was injured Wednesday afternoon, October 7, when a vehicle struck a bicycle she was riding at West Kennewick Avenue and North Morain Street. Emergency crews were dispatched after a call came in reporting the collision involved children on a bicycle.
A dispatch call reporting the crash came in at 2:21 p.m., according to scanner traffic, and fire units including a battalion chief, an engine crew and a medic unit were sent to the intersection. Responders arriving at the scene found a vehicle along with two adults and two children.
Medical personnel evaluated the girl at the scene for pain in her left leg, according to dispatch notes. Those notes indicated there was no active bleeding at the time crews arrived.
The collision remains under review. We wish the injured a complete recovery.
A Common Misconception About Bicycle Crashes Involving Children
Many people assume child bicyclists are hurt mostly in high-speed road crashes away from home, but a large share of these collisions happen at ordinary intersections and driveways close to where kids live, often during daylight hours when visibility should be good. Low speed does not mean low risk. A vehicle moving at a modest clip through an intersection can still knock a young rider off a bike hard enough to cause real injury.
Another misconception is that these crashes are rare events. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 49,989 pedalcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure spans all ages, but it points to how often bicycles and vehicles collide in everyday settings, not just on highways or at night.
It's also worth noting that fault in these crashes is not always obvious from the outside. Sightlines at intersections, turning movements, and a child's own unpredictable path on a bike can all play a role, which is one reason investigators piece together scene evidence instead of relying on assumptions.
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, often with little or no time for the rider to react. It can cause falls, collisions with other vehicles, or a cyclist being thrown into traffic.
How can cyclists stay safer in traffic?
Riding predictably, using hand signals, wearing visible clothing, and following the same traffic signals as vehicles all help. Younger riders benefit from supervised practice at intersections before riding there alone.
What should a cyclist do after a crash with a car?
Move out of traffic if possible, call 911, and seek a medical check even if injuries seem minor, since some pain or swelling appears later. Getting the names of those involved and any witnesses can help later.
Do cyclists have the same road rights as drivers?
In most states, including Washington, cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers on the road, including the right of way at marked intersections.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Kennewick, WA
If you or your child are involved in a bicycle collision in Kennewick, call 911 right away so medical help and police can respond. Even if injuries seem minor, a follow-up visit with a doctor is a good idea, since pain or swelling from a leg or head injury can take hours to show up fully.
Try to note details while they're fresh, including where the crash happened, who was involved, and any witnesses nearby. Keeping a record of medical visits and how the child is recovering can also help family members track healing over the following days and weeks.
