According to the WSP, a bicyclist was traveling east in the westbound lanes of SR 702 when they were struck by an oncoming vehicle
McKenna, WA – A bicycle rider was struck and killed by a vehicle on State Route 702 in McKenna on Thursday night, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The crash happened on SR 702 west of State Route 507 on Thursday, January 22.
According to the WSP, a bicyclist was traveling east in the westbound lanes of SR 702 when they were struck by an oncoming vehicle.
Troopers and emergency crews performed life-saving measures on the bicyclist, who was in critical condition. Despite their efforts, the 55-year-old bicyclist died of the injuries sustained.
The 45-year-old driver and a 37-year-old passenger in the vehicle were not injured in the collision.
It's unclear whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the incident. No arrests were made in connection to the accident.
The WSP is still conducting an investigation to determine what led up to the deadly bicycle crash.
Traffic-related accidents result in multiple injuries and deaths in Pierce County each year. Fatalities in the county have remained a serious concern, averaging 91 fatalities annually between 2021 and 2023. The situation worsened as it reached its highest point in 2023, when 95 lives were lost due to traffic collisions. Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) shows that a large share of these fatal crashes occurred on state highways, with Interstate 5 ranking among the most dangerous roadways in the county.
These routes are particularly hazardous due to a combination of sharp curves and heavy traffic flow, including frequent semi-truck activity. Such conditions often lead to risky passing maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of vehicles veering into oncoming lanes. In addition to roadway design and traffic volume, contributing factors commonly include impaired driving, excessive speed, unsafe passing, and driver distraction. Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay alert, especially when traveling through high-risk areas like I-5, to reduce the chances of being involved in a devastating crash.
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