A cyclist died yesterday after being struck by a Road Commission vehicle on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, according to authorities and witnesses. The crash happened just after 1 p.m. in the northbound lanes near College Street, a few blocks south of Nine Mile Road. Emergency crews responded and closed the intersection while investigators worked the scene.
Crash details
Witnesses told reporters the rider, described as operating an e-bike in the bike lane, was hit in front of the vacant Tim Hortons along Woodward. In a statement to ClickOnDetroit, the Road Commission for Oakland County said it was “very saddened to learn of the crash” and that its hearts go out to the cyclist’s family and to the driver. The commission said it is investigating. According to the station’s report, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and closed the northbound lanes near College during its investigation.
Woodward safety record
The collision occurred on a stretch of Woodward that local planners have repeatedly flagged as hazardous for people walking and biking. The Cities of Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge completed a Woodward Avenue safety audit in 2019, according to the City of Pleasant Ridge, and the ongoing Ferndale Moves planning effort has pushed for protected bike lanes and lane reductions intended to slow traffic and shorten crossings.
Investigation underway
Officials have not released the cyclist’s name or the exact circumstances leading up to the crash. As reported by ClickOnDetroit, authorities said the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating, and the scene remained closed into the afternoon. County and city officials did not immediately provide additional comment about the driver or any potential charges.
No additional details were released last night, and the investigation is ongoing. We will update this story when officials release more information.
