SALTON CITY, Imperial County, Calif., Oct. 29, 2026 — A bicyclist died on Tuesday night, October 27, after being struck by a vehicle on northbound State Route 86 near Black Diamond Road in Salton City, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The call came in around 11:40 p.m. near the entrance to the Red Earth area, just north of Black Diamond Road. A witness reported passing a semi-truck at the time and said they could not confirm whether the bicyclist had actually been hit. Within minutes, callers reported a person down on the right shoulder near the travel lanes.
The vehicle involved was not found at the scene. CHP units reported a possible dark-colored Nissan sedan with front-end damage near the bicyclist, but the driver had left before deputies arrived.
The CHP asked its Indio office to be on the lookout for any suspicious vehicle with front-end crash damage, and notified nearby casino security to watch for a similar vehicle. The number 2 lane of northbound SR-86 was closed for part of the investigation while crews worked the scene. It remains unclear whether the striking vehicle was the semi truck a witness described or the Nissan sedan reported near the bicyclist. The CHP's investigation into the crash continues.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
Intersection Crashes in Salton City and Across California
This fatal crash happened at State Route 86 and Black Diamond Road in Salton City, CA. We follow crashes at intersections across California, and our California intersection crash page brings that information together in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a cyclist or witness do after a hit-and-run crash?
Try to note the vehicle's color, make, direction of travel, and any visible damage, then call 911 right away. Avoid moving an injured person unless there is immediate danger, and wait for emergency responders if it's safe to do so.
Do cyclists have the same rights to the road as drivers?
In California and most states, cyclists are generally entitled to the same rights and subject to the same rules as motor vehicle operators, including the right to use travel lanes when no safe shoulder or bike lane exists.
How can cyclists reduce the chance of being hit at night?
Reflective clothing, working lights (front white, rear red), and riding as far right as is safely practicable can help drivers see a cyclist sooner, especially on rural highways with limited lighting.
What are common injuries in vehicle-versus-bicyclist crashes?
These crashes frequently cause head injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries, since a bicyclist has little protection compared to someone inside a vehicle.
