FERNDALE, Mich. \u2013 A 33-year-old Ferndale man is dead after being struck by a Road Commission for Oakland County truck while riding an e-bike along Woodward Avenue. <\/p>\n
The tragedy is now fueling a larger conversation about cyclist safety, road design, and the growing popularity of e-bikes.<\/p>\n
What happened<\/p>\n
The incident occurred on Thursday (June 18) on Woodward Avenue near College Avenue in Ferndale, just before 1 p.m<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to the Oakland County Sheriff\u2019s Office, the Ferndale man was riding on the east side of Woodward Avenue when a Road Commission truck, also traveling north, attempted to turn into a private driveway.<\/p>\n The truck crossed into the path of the e-bike, and authorities say the rider attempted to take evasive action when he saw the truck, causing him and the bike to slide underneath the vehicle, where he was run over. <\/p>\n The man died at the scene.<\/p>\n The driver of the truck, a 44-year-old from Waterford Township, was uninjured, remained at the scene, and cooperated with investigators. <\/p>\n Authorities said drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash.<\/p>\n The crash was captured on surveillance video at a restaurant across the street.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t see a bike until it turned and then there was the bike and the person laying on the ground,\u201d said Eric Lees, co-owner of Little Ghost.<\/p>\n So far, the victim\u2019s name has not been released. The incident remains under investigation.<\/p>\n Road design raises red flags<\/p>\n The stretch of Woodward Avenue where the crash occurred has drawn scrutiny from cyclists and community members who say the corridor\u2019s design makes it difficult for drivers to spot riders.<\/p>\n The area features dedicated bike lanes, a sidewalk just a few feet away, multiple traffic lanes, on-street parking, and dozens of driveways, all converging on a busy urban stretch.<\/p>\n On social media, one person wrote that the design \u201chas them weaving around parked cars, making them very hard for drivers to see.\u201d <\/p>\n Another described the corridor as having \u201ca video game feel with real life consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n What Michigan law says about e-bikes<\/p>\n Understanding where e-bikes can legally operate is a key part of the safety conversation, and Michigan law offers some guidance, though gaps remain.<\/p>\n Under state law, e-bikes are permitted anywhere bicycles are allowed, and sidewalk riding is generally permitted unless restricted by local ordinance.<\/p>\n Riders under 18 must wear helmets, and riders must be at least 14 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike, the fastest category, which can reach up to 28 mph. <\/p>\n Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on nonmotorized state trails.<\/p>\n E-bikes add a new layer of safety concerns<\/p>\n The crash comes as e-bikes surge in popularity across the country, and safety advocates say that surge is creating new challenges for both riders and drivers.<\/p>\n AAA launched its new \u201cE-Ride Ready\u201d campaign this month to help parents and riders better understand the risks associated with fast-moving e-bikes and e-scooters<\/a>.<\/p>\n The campaign encourages families to know their device\u2019s speed and capabilities, require the proper fitting of helmets rated for the e-ride\u2019s top speed, understand where e-rides can legally and safely operate, and practice safe riding habits around traffic and pedestrians.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are much faster than regular bikes, and they might not be able to stop as fast. So again, it\u2019s really important that drivers focus on the task of driving and being on the lookout, especially when they are turning or reversing,\u201d said Adrienne Woodland, a spokesperson for AAA.<\/p>\n