TYLER, Smith County, Texas, Oct. 12, 2026 — A bicyclist was hospitalized in stable condition after a vehicle struck him on Sunday afternoon, October 11, at the intersection of Loop 323 and Hwy 64 West in Tyler. The roadway reopened after the crash investigation concluded.
The bicyclist was reportedly riding an electric bicycle in the outside eastbound lane of Hwy 64 West when the traffic light turned green. A driver traveling in the same lane did not see him and struck him from behind, according to the department.
The police said the man was wearing a helmet. However, they said saddlebags attached to the back of the bike blocked the bicycle's reflectors and lights from view.
The driver stopped at the scene and rendered aid before the bicyclist was taken to a hospital, where he remains in stable condition, authorities said. The crash appears to be accidental, and no criminal charges are pending, though the department's Criminal Investigations Division will review the case to confirm nothing was missed in the initial investigation.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
The People Most Exposed in Bicycle Crashes
Riders on two wheels carry none of the protection a vehicle gives its occupants, so when a car and a bicycle collide, the harm almost always lands on the cyclist. Visibility plays a large role in whether a driver spots a rider in time to stop. Reflective gear, working lights, and an unobstructed rear end of the bike all factor into how quickly a driver traveling in the same lane can react.
Riders on e-bikes face some of the same exposure as traditional cyclists, but usually move faster, which shortens the window a following driver has to notice and brake. Commuters riding during low-light hours, whether at dawn, dusk, or after dark, are especially hard to see, particularly when equipment meant to make them visible is blocked or missing.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 22 percent of pedalcyclists who died had blood alcohol concentrations of .01 g/dL or higher in 2023. The data points to impairment, whether behind the wheel or on the bike, as a recurring factor in fatal outcomes for riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common for cyclists hit by vehicles?
Cyclists usually suffer head and neck injuries, broken bones, and road rash, even when wearing a helmet. The severity typically depends on the vehicle's speed and the angle of impact.
What usually causes car-bicycle collisions?
Common causes include drivers failing to see a cyclist, turning or merging without checking a bike lane, and riders being obscured by poor lighting, blocked reflectors, or low visibility conditions.
Where do most car-bicycle crashes happen?
Many occur at intersections, where turning or accelerating vehicles cross paths with cyclists, and on roadways where bikes and cars share a travel lane.
What is "dooring" and why is it dangerous?
Dooring happens when someone in a parked vehicle opens a door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, giving the rider little time to swerve or stop. It can cause falls, collisions with other vehicles, or serious injury.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Tyler, TX
If you're involved in a bicycle crash, call 911 right away and stay at the scene until officers arrive. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is worth getting, since some injuries like concussions or internal bruising aren't obvious right after an impact.
Take photos of the bike, any visible damage, and the surrounding area if you're able to safely do so. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Ask for a copy of the police report once it's filed, and keep records of any medical visits tied to the crash. If you're not sure how to proceed afterward, Tyler residents can reach out to local police non-emergency lines for guidance on obtaining report copies and next steps.
