WICHITA, Sedgwick County, Kan., Sept. 28, 2026 — A bicyclist was hospitalized in critical condition on Monday morning, September 28, after being hit by a car in south Wichita.
The crash happened around 6:50 a.m. near S Broadway Ave and Skinner St. Officers said the bicyclist was hit while trying to cross the street. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
The driver of the car is cooperating with the investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about how the crash happened or the conditions at the time.
No further updates on the bicyclist's condition have been released as of Monday. The investigation remains open.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Where Bicycle Crashes with Cars Concentrate in Wichita
Bicycle crashes tend to cluster on wide, multi-lane arterial roads rather than quiet residential streets. Roads like these carry heavier traffic at higher speeds, and crossings are usually spaced far apart, so cyclists and pedestrians end up crossing at points without a signal or a marked crosswalk. Drivers moving through multiple lanes may not see a cyclist entering the roadway until it's too late to stop.
Early morning and evening hours add another factor: low light conditions make cyclists harder to spot, especially at unsignalled crossings where drivers aren't expecting to yield. Intersections near commercial strips, feeder roads, and bus stops also see more of these crashes, because they draw both car traffic and people on foot or on bikes trying to reach the other side quickly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedalcyclist fatalities accounted for 2.9 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. That share reflects how much of the risk to cyclists comes from the basic mismatch between a bike's exposure and a car's mass, especially at the kinds of crossings described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "dooring" and why is it dangerous?
Dooring happens when someone in a parked car opens a door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, giving the rider little time to swerve or stop. It can throw a cyclist into traffic and cause serious injury even at low speeds.
How can cyclists stay safer in traffic?
Riding predictably, using lights and reflective gear in low light, and making eye contact with drivers at crossings can help. Choosing routes with marked bike lanes or signalled crossings also reduces exposure to fast-moving arterial traffic.
What should a cyclist do after a crash with a car?
Call 911 even if injuries seem minor, since some injuries aren't obvious right away. Get checked by a medical provider, get the other driver's information, and ask for a copy of the police report once it's available.
Do cyclists have the same road rights as drivers?
In most states, including Kansas, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers on public roads, including the right of way at marked crossings. Local ordinances can add specific rules, so it's worth checking city traffic codes.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Wichita, KS
If you or someone you know is involved in a bicycle crash in Wichita, the first step is getting medical attention, even for injuries that seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain from fractures or head injuries for hours.
Report the crash to police and get a copy of the official report once it's filed. Take photos of the scene, the bike, and any visible injuries if you're able, and get contact information from any witnesses nearby.
Keep records of medical visits and any time missed from work or daily activities. These details can matter later, whether for insurance claims or simply understanding the full impact of the crash.