Cyclist’s Ride Turns Tragic on Scenic Woodside Highway
WOODSIDE, CA — What should have been an ordinary Friday afternoon ride ended in unimaginable tragedy when a bicyclist was struck by a pickup truck near the intersection of Highways 35 and 84. The collision occurred around 4:30 p.m. on August 29, a time when the sun still bathed the scenic winding roads of Woodside — a favorite area for both drivers and cyclists alike.
According to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, the bicyclist, whose identity has not yet been released, was traveling near the intersection when a pickup truck, under yet-unclear circumstances, struck them with devastating force. Emergency responders quickly arrived, and the injured cyclist was airlifted to Stanford Medical Center, where medical teams fought to save their life. Sadly, despite all efforts, the rider was pronounced deceased the following day, leaving behind a grieving community and a stark reminder of how quickly joy can turn into sorrow.
Investigation Underway as Driver Cooperates
The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene, cooperating fully with investigators. Officials have not yet determined the exact cause of the collision, and no immediate signs of impairment or reckless driving were reported. Deputies are examining all possible factors, including road conditions, visibility, and the movement of both the cyclist and the truck at the time of impact.
Witnesses who frequent the area describe the intersection as both beautiful and dangerous — a stretch of road where blind curves, changing elevations, and mixed traffic from recreational riders and local commuters often create risky situations. While no details have yet been confirmed, the lack of clarity surrounding what led to the crash leaves family, friends, and fellow cyclists heartbroken and searching for answers.
This tragedy echoes a growing concern across California’s cycling community: the increasing number of severe or fatal collisions involving cyclists on rural and semi-rural highways. Every lost life sends a ripple of grief through loved ones and a reminder that the balance between motorists and cyclists remains delicate, and safety requires attention from everyone sharing the road.
Community Grieves and Calls for Safer Roads
As word of the fatal crash spreads, the cycling and Woodside communities are rallying in grief and reflection. Scenic highways like 35 and 84 have long drawn cyclists seeking challenging routes and beautiful views — but this latest loss adds to a painful history of roadway tragedies. Calls for improved signage, better shoulder maintenance, stricter speed enforcement, and heightened mutual awareness between drivers and cyclists have resurfaced in light of this heartbreaking event.
For now, family and friends mourn a life cut short. The silence left by a missing rider — a person who only sought the simple joy of being out on two wheels — is felt deeply by all who knew them. Each mile marker on these roads now carries a heavier weight, a quiet plea for care and respect on every ride and every drive.
This tragedy is not just a headline; it’s a devastating reminder of how fragile life is on the roads we all share. Whether behind the wheel or on the saddle, every moment demands vigilance, empathy, and respect — because one split second can change everything, forever.
