PANAMA CITY, Bay County, Fla., Sept. 24, 2026 — A bicyclist was injured Tuesday afternoon, September 22, in a crash with a vehicle on 23rd Street in Panama City, according to police. The crash caused major lane closures near the intersection with State Avenue.
Panama City police said the crash happened near 23rd Street and State Avenue. One westbound lane on 23rd Street and State Avenue was closed afterward, and both eastbound lanes were shut down as well, according to the department.
Police and EMS crews responded to the scene.
The crash remains under review. We hope those who were hurt recover fully.
What the Numbers Show About Bicycle Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol involvement was reported in 34 percent of fatal pedalcyclist crashes in 2023. That figure covers cases where a driver, the cyclist, or both had been drinking, and it points to how often impairment plays a role once a bicycle crash turns deadly.
Most bicycle crashes are not fatal, but the ones that are tend to happen where cyclists and vehicles cross paths directly, at intersections, driveways, and turn lanes. Low light and higher vehicle speeds raise the odds that a crash becomes serious rather than minor.
Local data on any single stretch of road is limited, so national figures like the NHTSA number are often the best available picture of how these crashes unfold and who is at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cyclists have the same rights on the road as drivers?
In Florida and most states, cyclists are generally treated as vehicle operators with the same rights and duties, including following traffic signals and lane rules.
Are intersections a common site for bicycle crashes?
Yes. A large share of vehicle-bicycle crashes happen at or near intersections, where turning vehicles and crossing bicycles are most likely to meet.
What injuries are most common in bicycle crashes?
Head injuries, broken bones, and road rash are common, even in lower-speed crashes, because cyclists have little protection compared to vehicle occupants.
What usually causes bicycle accidents?
Common factors include drivers failing to yield or see a cyclist, distracted driving, poor visibility, and cyclists riding against traffic or outside marked lanes.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Panama City, FL
If you're involved in a bicycle crash, try to stay put and call 911 so police and EMS can respond and document the scene. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries like concussions or internal bruising aren't obvious right away.
Take photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries if you're able to safely do so. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses nearby. Once police arrive, ask how to obtain a copy of the official crash report, which can take a few days to become available.
