A bicyclist was killed Thursday evening after being hit by a vehicle on State Route 702 near Yelm, according to state troopers. Emergency crews tried life-saving measures at the scene, but the rider was pronounced dead there. The rural highway was shut down for several hours while first responders cleared debris and investigators documented the crash.
Crash details
The collision happened around 6:30 p.m. on SR 702 just east of SR 507 and involved a bicyclist who was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane when an eastbound vehicle struck the rider, according to FOX 13 Seattle. Troopers said the driver stayed at the scene, and the vehicle came to rest on the right shoulder. Authorities have not yet released the bicyclist’s name and said there have been no arrests tied to the crash.
Official posts and traffic alerts
A Washington State Patrol trooper shared initial details on X, and the Washington Department of Transportation first logged the collision at 6:37 p.m., according to a Yahoo News item that republished the post. Those updates reported that both eastbound and westbound lanes were blocked near the SR‑507 intersection and urged drivers to steer clear of the area while crews worked.
Where this fits in statewide trends
Two‑lane state routes like SR 702 can be especially risky for cyclists because narrow or limited shoulders combine with higher travel speeds, which raises the chances of a serious or fatal outcome when a crash occurs. Preliminary numbers from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission indicate that traffic deaths have remained elevated in recent years and identify vulnerable road users, including people on bicycles, as a priority for safety initiatives and enforcement efforts.
Investigation ongoing
The Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash. Troopers closed SR 702 while they examined the scene, and the highway did not reopen for more than two hours, the patrol told FOX 13 Seattle. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has relevant information is asked to contact the Washington State Patrol; local contact details are available at the agency’s website, Washington State Patrol.
