The Thursday afternoon rush at Loyola Drive and West Esplanade Avenue in Kenner turned tragic when a 65-year-old man on an electric bicycle collided with a car and later died at the hospital. First responders rushed him from the scene, and parts of the busy intersection were shut down for about an hour while officers and crews worked the crash.
What police say
Kenner police investigators believe the e-bike rider went through a red light and was hit by a vehicle traveling west on West Esplanade that had a green signal, according to WWL-TV. The victim, a 65-year-old Kenner resident, was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Police say the driver of the car stayed at the scene and is cooperating with traffic investigators.
Investigation and witness appeal
According to the Kenner Police Department, detectives are conducting a detailed examination and reconstruction of the crash to determine exactly what happened in the intersection. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has video from the area is asked to call the department's non-emergency line at (504) 712-2222.
E-bike safety and trends
While the Kenner investigation continues, the crash fits into a larger national concern over e-bike safety. A review of emergency-department data found injuries and hospitalizations involving e-bikes rose sharply between 2017 and 2022, highlighting a broader spike in micromobility crashes, according to a study in JAMA Network Open. Medical groups and safety advocates point to higher speeds and mixed traffic without protected lanes as key risks for riders. The American College of Surgeons urges universal helmet use and clearer local rules in an effort to cut down on serious injuries.
Kenner police say the case remains an active investigation. Detectives plan to release more information as the reconstruction moves forward, and anyone with tips or footage is urged to contact the Kenner Police non-emergency dispatch at (504) 712-2222.
