Available 
STAUNTON, Staunton County, Va., Oct. 8, 2026 — A 63-year-old e-bike rider was seriously hurt Wednesday morning, October 7, when a commercial truck struck him on Richmond Avenue in Staunton. He was airlifted to a Charlottesville hospital after first being taken to a nearby medical center.
The Staunton Police Department said the crash happened shortly after 11 a.m. in the 900 block of Richmond Avenue. According to police, the man reportedly merged his e-bike in front of a commercial feed truck and was run over.
Eastbound lanes of Richmond Avenue were closed for a time while officers investigated the scene, police said. The rider was first brought to Augusta Health in Fishersville, then airlifted to UVA Health in Charlottesville for further treatment, according to the report.
No charges had been filed as of the latest update. His condition has not been released.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Why Road Hazards Hit Motorcycle and E-Bike Riders Harder Than Drivers
Two-wheeled vehicles depend on a small contact patch of tire to stay upright, so anything that changes the road surface, loose gravel, a pothole, wet pavement, or a painted lane line, can cost a rider traction that a car or truck would never notice. A four-wheeled vehicle can roll through a rough patch without losing balance. A motorcycle or e-bike rider can be thrown off or forced into another lane by the same obstacle.
Merging and lane-change situations add another layer of risk. When a smaller, slower-moving two-wheeler merges near or in front of a larger commercial vehicle, the truck driver may have less time to react, and the rider has less room to recover if the surface shifts under the tires at the same moment. Blind spots on large trucks compound the problem, since a rider merging into a lane can disappear from a driver's mirrors for several seconds.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 49,989 pedalcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure reflects how often riders on bikes and e-bikes end up in the path of motor vehicles, often in ordinary traffic situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gear helps protect a rider in a crash?
A properly fitted helmet, abrasion-resistant jacket and pants, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots all reduce the severity of common injuries like road rash, fractures, and head trauma.
What typically causes motorcycle and e-bike collisions?
Common factors include drivers failing to see a smaller vehicle, sudden lane changes or merges, road surface hazards, and vehicles turning across a rider's path.
Why do these crashes tend to cause more serious injuries?
Riders have no frame or airbags around them, so a collision transfers force directly to the body. Even low-speed impacts can cause broken bones or head injuries that a car occupant might walk away from.
How do left-turning vehicles cause collisions with riders?
A driver turning left across oncoming traffic may misjudge a rider's speed or distance, or simply not see a smaller vehicle in time, putting the rider directly in the car's path.
What to Do After a Motorcycle or E-Bike Collision in Staunton, VA
If you're involved in a crash while riding, call 911 right away and stay as still as possible until emergency responders can check for injuries, even if you feel capable of standing. Adrenaline can mask pain from fractures or internal injuries that only show up hours later.
It's important that you get a full medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at the scene. Remember to keep copies of any police report, medical records, and photos of the scene or vehicle damage if you're able to safely gather them. Report the incident to your insurance provider as soon as possible, and follow up with your own doctor in the days after the crash to track any symptoms that develop.
