MCMAHAN, Caldwell County, TX, Sept. 21, 2026 — Two cyclists were struck by a vehicle Sunday morning, September 20, on FM 713 in McMahan, according to authorities. Both were reportedly hurt and evaluated at the scene.
The crash was reported around 8 a.m. near 2719 FM 713, according to a radio traffic log reviewed by this outlet. The vehicle was reportedly traveling between 55 and 60 mph at the time, authorities said, though the circumstances that led to the collision have not been confirmed.
One cyclist was initially reported not moving and was said to have been thrown about 20 feet, according to the radio traffic. Emergency crews requested two medical helicopters as a precaution. Fire crews arrived within about 10 minutes, and a helicopter mission was accepted before responders determined the patients could instead be taken by ground or by a second aircraft that had already landed nearby.
By the later stages of the response, one patient was described as having road rash and the other was classified under a "yellow" triage designation, indicating serious but non-critical injuries, authorities said. The first helicopter response was canceled after crews determined ground transport or a shorter helicopter trip was appropriate.
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not released the names or ages of those involved, and no further details on the driver or the cause of the crash have been made public.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Where Bicycle Crashes Tend to Concentrate?
Crashes between cyclists and vehicles tend to cluster on roads that were built for cars moving at speed, not for mixed traffic. Rural highways with no shoulder or bike lane, like many farm-to-market roads in Texas, put cyclists close to vehicles moving 55 mph or faster with little separation and little reaction time for either party.
Undivided two-lane roads outside city limits present a particular problem. Drivers may not expect cyclists on a stretch of highway with long sightlines and few intersections, and lighting is minimal for early morning or evening rides. Urban arterials create a different pattern, where cyclists are more exposed at intersections and driveways where turning vehicles cross their path.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 81 percent of pedalcyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas in 2023. That statistic points to how much bicycle-vehicle risk is tied to dense, intersection-heavy environments, even though rural highway crashes like those on high-speed two-lane roads can involve higher-speed impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most car-bicycle collisions happen?
Many occur at intersections and driveways where a turning or crossing vehicle fails to see an oncoming cyclist. On rural highways, collisions are more likely to happen along straight stretches where a vehicle overtakes a cyclist without enough clearance.
What is "dooring" and why is it dangerous?
Dooring happens when someone opens a parked car door into the path of a passing cyclist. It's dangerous because it happens with little warning and forces a cyclist into a traffic lane to avoid the door.
How can cyclists stay safer in traffic?
Riding predictably, using lights and reflective gear, and choosing routes with a shoulder or bike lane can all reduce risk. Cyclists are also encouraged to make eye contact with drivers at intersections whenever possible.
What should a cyclist do after a crash with a car?
Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some injuries take time to appear. Get checked by a medical provider and report the crash so there's an official record of what happened.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in McMahan, Texas
Anyone involved in or witnessing a bicycle crash in McMahan should call 911 right away and wait for emergency responders. Even riders who feel able to walk away should be checked by a medical professional, since injuries like road rash can mask deeper trauma from being thrown or struck.
It helps to note details while they're fresh: where the crash happened, what the vehicle was doing, and any statements from witnesses at the scene. A formal police report gives everyone involved, including insurers, a clear record to work from in the days after.
