Article Text

An adult e-bike rider was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries Thursday afternoon after a crash involving a vehicle in Dunn Loring.

Fairfax County police and fire crews responded to Cedar Lane at Electric Avenue around 3:35 p.m. on May 28. An officer reported finding the male cyclist in the middle of the road.

The vehicle’s driver remained at the scene, according to police. Authorities closed the intersection while Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives investigated and directed motorists to use another route.

Early scanner reports suggested the rider might not have been wearing a helmet, but police did not confirm that information. Investigators had released no additional details about the circumstances of the crash.

The collision occurred the same day Fairfax County issued safety guidance for drivers sharing the road with increasingly common e-bikes. Electric bicycles now make up nearly half of all Capital Bikeshare trips in the county.

County officials cautioned that e-bikes can accelerate rapidly and may approach drivers faster than expected. Younger and less experienced riders also may be less familiar with navigating traffic.

Under Virginia rules, riders ages 14 and older may use faster e-bikes capable of reaching 28 mph, but helmets are required for all users.

The county reminded drivers to stop for cyclists in crosswalks and allow additional room when turning, merging or passing. Motorists should also check blind spots carefully before changing lanes or opening a vehicle door.

Virginia law requires drivers to leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle or e-bike. Officials also urged motorists to be patient around teenage riders who may still be developing safe riding habits.