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TUCSON, Pima County, Ariz., Sept. 21, 2026 — A bicyclist suffered life-threatening injuries Sunday morning, September 20, in a crash involving a vehicle near Palo Verde Road and 44th Street on Tucson's southside, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
The crash happened around 9:15 a.m. Sunday and involved a vehicle and an e-bike, the sheriff's department said. Details on how the collision occurred have not been released.
The cyclist was taken to a hospital with injuries described as life-threatening. Their condition has not been made public.
The driver remained at the scene and was not hurt, deputies said. The sheriff's department said detectives are still investigating the crash, and no citations or findings have been announced.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
Wait, that line does not apply here since the cyclist's death was not confirmed. Correcting the close:
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Low Visibility Puts E-Bike Riders At Risk In Traffic
Many car-versus-bicycle crashes trace back to a simple problem: drivers do not see the rider until it is too late. E-bikes can move faster than traditional bicycles, closing the distance to an intersection or driveway more quickly than a driver expects when scanning for cross traffic.
Blind spots make this worse. A cyclist riding along the edge of a lane can disappear behind a vehicle's A-pillar, side mirror, or another car waiting to turn, especially at intersections where a driver is focused on oncoming traffic rather than the shoulder. Morning glare, shadows cast by buildings, and riders wearing dark clothing can exacerbate the problem even in daylight.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedalcyclist fatalities accounted for 2.9 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. Many of these crashes happen at or near intersections, where a turning or crossing vehicle simply does not register a bicycle in its path until the two are already close together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes crashes between cars and bicycles?
Common factors include drivers failing to see cyclists before turning or changing lanes, speeding, distracted driving, and cyclists riding against traffic or through intersections with limited visibility.
Where do most car-bicycle collisions happen?
A large share occurs at intersections and driveways, where turning vehicles cross a cyclist's path, rather than on open stretches of road.
What is "dooring" and why is it dangerous?
Dooring occurs when someone in a parked car opens a door into a cyclist's path without warning. It can throw a rider into traffic and often happens too fast for the cyclist to react.
How can cyclists stay safer in traffic?
Riding with lights and reflective gear, staying visible in drivers' lines of sight, avoiding blind spots, and making eye contact with drivers at intersections can all help reduce risk.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Tucson, AZ
Anyone involved in a bicycle crash should get checked by a medical provider even if injuries seem minor at first, since some, like head or internal injuries, are not obvious right away. Calling the police to file a report helps document the crash while the details are fresh.
If possible, take photos of the scene, the vehicle, the bicycle, and any visible injuries, and get contact information from witnesses. Keep records of medical visits and any time missed from work, since these details can matter later. Tucson cyclists can also report unsafe intersections or visibility hazards to the city for review and potential improvements.
