A late-night collision on Interstate 5 in Tacoma sent a bicyclist to the hospital Thursday after authorities say the rider was traveling the wrong way in freeway traffic.
According to troopers, the bicyclist was headed south in the northbound lanes of I-5 near Pacific Avenue when a northbound SUV struck them. First responders shut down the northbound side of the freeway for nearly three hours while they treated the rider, investigated the scene and cleared the roadway. Officials said the bicyclist, who has not been publicly identified, was not wearing a helmet and was taken to a local hospital.
The News Tribune reports that the vehicle involved was a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling northbound that hit the rider near milepost 133. The Washington State Patrol said the Jeep was driven by a 43-year-old Seattle man, with a 39-year-old Seattle woman riding as a passenger. Investigators have not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol were factors and say the cause of the crash remains under review.
What state rules say
The Washington State Department of Transportation notes that bicyclists are allowed to ride on the shoulders of many state highways except where signs say otherwise. On limited-access facilities where bicycles are permitted, riders are required to stay on the shoulder, not in the travel lanes.
The agency also stresses that riders must travel in the same direction as traffic and warns to “never ride against traffic,” in part because drivers do not expect to see a cyclist coming toward them in their lane. WSDOT further advises drivers to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing.
Tacoma's safety picture
Tacoma's Vision Zero Action Plan sets a target of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2035. The plan identifies a network of corridors with high crash rates where the city aims to focus resources.
City officials and planners have flagged Pacific Avenue and major freeway crossings as priority areas for safety projects and data-driven interventions designed to better protect people walking and biking.
Investigation continues
State troopers say the crash investigation is ongoing and have not released further details about the bicyclist’s condition beyond confirming that the rider was transported to a local hospital.
The News Tribune reports that northbound I-5 was closed for nearly three hours while agencies worked the scene. Investigators say they will share additional information as it becomes available.
