What to do if you are in a crash

With bicycling issues making headlines, especially relating to traffic safety and enforcement, we thought it is important to re-post the Bicycle Coalition's advice for what to do in the event of a crash. This information can be found on our website as well.


It is very important if it is at all possible to call the Police and report the crash. In other words, if you are not seriously hurt, don't walk away.

If you are in a crash with a car, do not leave the scene without:

• the tag number of the car
• the names and phone numbers of any witnesses
• driver name and contact information
• police officer name and badge number

If you don't call the police, for them it's like your crash never happened. It is extremely important that the police record as much of the above information as you have. The ambulance personnel will not include this information in their report – you must make sure the information gets recorded by the police. If it is a hit and run, you need to file a police report as soon as you are able, giving them as much information as possible.

Even in cases where cyclists are badly hurt, the police have not always identified the vehicle or driver involved. Make sure to take down the police officers' badge numbers and follow-up with your local office (more on that below).

If there is no follow-up by the police, call your local district office and ask to speak to the Captain. Let him know what happened, complete with all the information above. A list of local district police offices can be found here (if you don't know your district, check this map).

For more information, or specific questions, please refer to Bob Mionske's BicycleLaw.Com.


For our part, the Bicycle Coalition is doing our best to educate the police department and police officers on following through with enforcing the laws and protecting all road-users.