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LUCERNE VALLEY, San Bernardino County, Calif., Oct. 18, 2026 — A motorcyclist died following a collision with an off-road side-by-side vehicle Saturday morning, October 17, near Pony Road in the Johnson Valley area outside Lucerne Valley, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported shortly before 11:10 a.m. off-road near Greenrock and Pony Road. A caller told dispatchers a 21-year-old man wearing a jersey was struck by the side-by-side and thrown into the air, then was left unconscious but breathing, with bleeding from the nose and mouth.
The location was described as rough terrain inaccessible to standard vehicles, and a four-wheel-drive unit was sent to help reach the injured rider and move him out to Pony Road. A fire engine crew waited for an air ambulance at a nearby road access point while rescuers worked to extract the patient.
The CHP initially classified the crash as a major-injury collision involving two off-road vehicles. The incident was later logged as a fatality, and investigators closed the call early Saturday afternoon.
Authorities continue documenting the circumstances of the crash. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
More on Crashes in Lucerne Valley, CA
This fatal crash happened on Pony Road in Lucerne Valley, CA. We cover crashes across San Bernardino County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our San Bernardino County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do motorcycle and off-road vehicle crashes tend to cause serious injury?
Riders have little protection beyond a helmet and gear, so a collision with another vehicle often throws them from the bike and onto hard ground, leading to severe trauma that a fully enclosed vehicle's occupants might not suffer in a similar impact.
How do turning or crossing vehicles contribute to these collisions?
Off-road and on-road crashes alike often happen when one vehicle turns or crosses into a motorcycle's path without seeing it in time, especially in areas with rough terrain, dust, or limited sightlines where riders can be harder to spot.
What can drivers of larger off-road vehicles do to watch for motorcycles and riders nearby?
Scanning twice before turning or crossing a trail, slowing in blind spots or dusty conditions, and giving extra space when passing riders can help drivers of trucks, UTVs, and side-by-sides spot motorcycles sooner.
What should a rider do immediately after a crash like this?
If possible, move to a safe spot away from traffic, call for emergency help, and avoid removing a helmet unless trained to do so. Getting a full medical evaluation afterward matters even if injuries seem minor at first, since some trauma isn't immediately obvious.
What to Do After an Off-Road Motorcycle Crash in Lucerne Valley, CA
Anyone involved in or who witnesses an off-road vehicle collision in the Lucerne Valley area should call 911 right away, since remote terrain can slow emergency response and make early notification critical. If you're able, stay with the injured person and keep them still until help arrives. Afterward, document the scene with photos if it's safe to do so, and get a prompt medical exam even for injuries that seem minor. Because off-road areas like Johnson Valley can be hard for rescue crews to reach, riders and passengers should also carry a charged phone or satellite communicator and let others know their planned route before heading out.
