FERNDALE, Mich. – 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.
The tragedy is now fueling a larger conversation about cyclist safety, road design, and the growing popularity of e-bikes.
What happened
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s 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.
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.
The man died at the scene.
The driver of the truck, a 44-year-old from Waterford Township, was uninjured, remained at the scene, and cooperated with investigators.
Authorities said drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash.
The crash was captured on surveillance video at a restaurant across the street.
“You don’t see a bike until it turned and then there was the bike and the person laying on the ground,” said Eric Lees, co-owner of Little Ghost.
So far, the victim’s name has not been released. The incident remains under investigation.
Road design raises red flags
The stretch of Woodward Avenue where the crash occurred has drawn scrutiny from cyclists and community members who say the corridor’s design makes it difficult for drivers to spot riders.
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.
On social media, one person wrote that the design “has them weaving around parked cars, making them very hard for drivers to see.”
Another described the corridor as having “a video game feel with real life consequences.”
What Michigan law says about e-bikes
Understanding where e-bikes can legally operate is a key part of the safety conversation, and Michigan law offers some guidance, though gaps remain.
Under state law, e-bikes are permitted anywhere bicycles are allowed, and sidewalk riding is generally permitted unless restricted by local ordinance.
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.
Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on nonmotorized state trails.
E-bikes add a new layer of safety concerns
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.
The campaign encourages families to know their device’s speed and capabilities, require the proper fitting of helmets rated for the e-ride’s top speed, understand where e-rides can legally and safely operate, and practice safe riding habits around traffic and pedestrians.
“They are much faster than regular bikes, and they might not be able to stop as fast. So again, it’s really important that drivers focus on the task of driving and being on the lookout, especially when they are turning or reversing,” said Adrienne Woodland, a spokesperson for AAA.
The League of Michigan Bicyclists echoed that message, framing safety as a two-way street.
“It is, unfortunately, a solemn but good reminder of how important safety is. It is a shared responsibility and goes both ways for cyclists and drivers,” said Gina Apone of the League of Michigan Bicyclists.
“The responsibility goes two ways for cyclists and drivers. If cyclists want to protect themselves, make sure you are visible with proper gear, wear a helmet, and never assume people in cars can see you,” Apone said.