A bicyclist was killed Thursday night on westbound Interstate 10 near the I-310 split in St. Charles Parish after being struck by a pickup truck, authorities said. Louisiana State Police troopers said the rider was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver was not injured. The crash shut down lanes along the busy stretch of interstate while investigators documented the scene.
What happened
According to troopers, the collision occurred around 8:30 p.m. Thursday on westbound I-10 near the I-310 south split. The cyclist had been riding on the right shoulder and was attempting to cross the southbound travel lanes toward the I-10 gore area when a westbound 2023 Dodge Ram, moving into the I-310 south on-ramp, struck the rider in the left lane, as reported by WGNO.
Investigators' findings
Louisiana State Police said impairment is not believed to be a factor at this time. Troopers collected a routine toxicology sample from the bicyclist for analysis, and the driver provided a breath sample that showed no alcohol. Troop B said the investigation remains active and ongoing, according to Louisiana State Police.
Victim and safety details
Troopers reported that the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet or reflective clothing at the time of the crash, although the bicycle was equipped with front and rear illumination devices. The rider suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities did not immediately release the victim’s identity, as reported by WGNO.
How to help
Investigators are asking for the public’s help in filling in the gaps of what happened. Troopers urged anyone with information, video or dash-cam footage from the area to contact Louisiana State Police Troop B at 504-471-2775 or submit an anonymous tip through the agency’s online reporting system, per Louisiana State Police. They said such tips could be crucial in determining what led to the collision.
Local context
Bicycle fatalities remain a serious concern across Louisiana. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reports that 44 bicyclists were killed on state roadways in 2024, a figure safety officials say highlights the risks of riding along high-speed and poorly lit routes, according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Safety agencies continue to urge cyclists to wear helmets and high-visibility gear, use proper lighting, and avoid interstates and other limited-access highways whenever possible, especially after dark.
Troopers say their investigation into the St. Charles crash is ongoing and that additional details will be released as they become available. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends as they await answers.
