Vehicle struck cyclist riding eastbound near 26-Mile Road intersection
January 09, 2026 | Oakdale, CA
A tragic bicycle accident claimed the life of 63-year-old Wayne Townsend on a Friday evening at a local intersection, according to authorities.
Wayne Townsend, 63, of Oakdale, died after the bicycle he rode on the shoulder of Highway 120 collided with a westbound Ford pickup east of 26-Mile Road.
The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office confirmed Townsend, an Oakdale resident, as the victim in this fatal crash.
What Happened in the Crash?
A 2007 Ford pickup truck was heading west on Highway 120 near 26-Mile Road when it collided with Townsend, who was biking eastbound along the north shoulder. The crash occurred in the westbound lane for undetermined reasons, still under review.
Townsend received immediate medical attention and was rushed to Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, but he succumbed to his injuries there.
Key details of the incident include:
- Date: Jan. 9
- Location: Highway 120 east of 26-Mile Road, Oakdale, CA
- Vehicles Involved: 2007 Ford pickup, westbound, and bicycle, eastbound
- Outcome: Cyclist fatally injured, driver uninjured
- Investigating Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP)
The Ford driver escaped without injuries, and further information remains pending.
Why Do Bicycle Accidents Occur on Roadways Like This?
Bicyclists face heightened risks without the safeguards of vehicles, such as seat belts or airbags. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights the severity of these incidents.
Year |
Bicyclist Fatalities in Motor-Vehicle Crashes |
Change from Previous Year |
|---|
2021 |
976 |
Not Available |
2022 |
1,105 |
+13% |
Source: NHTSA
These statistics underscore the vulnerability of cyclists, with fatalities rising amid various contributing factors like road conditions and driver behavior.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the need for thorough investigations into such roadway tragedies to uncover root causes and support affected families.
“Bicyclists remain especially at risk on highways, where multiple elements can lead to devastating collisions,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives include:
- Determining precise accident causes requires detailed reviews of insurance, experienced input, background investigations, and witness statements.
- Prompt independent inquiries help secure vital evidence before it degrades.
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for losses like companionship, suffering, and distress after such a crash.
“Survivors often feel lost amid legal steps designed to safeguard their interests,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Guidance from a knowledgeable advocate can provide clarity and secure deserved compensation during grief.”
In cases such as this, analysts stress acting swiftly to preserve evidence and navigate claims effectively.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has experience with fatal bicycle accidents. She offers free consultations to those in need of legal guidance.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).