84-year-old bicyclist dies after collision with bus near Jackson and Kilbourn
CBS 58 MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- An 84-year-old bicyclist died at the scene after colliding with a bus near Jackson and Kilbourn Sunday night, July 19, according to Milwaukee police. This marks the 23rd fatal injury from a crash in 2026, according to MPD. But it's the first bicyclist death in the city of Milwaukee for the year, per data from the Traffic Operations and Safety (TOPS) Laboratory at UW-Madison.
"We're turning into a bike city. A lot of people are riding bikes, I feel like we need more bike lanes." -- anonymous bicyclist
Milwaukee police say the bicyclist was riding east on Kilbourn around 8:35 p.m. Sunday when the crash occurred, with a vehicle turning right onto N. Jackson. The driver reportedly remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
The number of bicyclist fatalities within Milwaukee city limits has remained relatively steady the past few years, hitting its peak in 2022 with five deaths, according to TOPS.
Jake Newborn, associate director for the Wisconsin Bike Fed, says the city of Milwaukee has made many improvements in the past few years, though that means there's a learning curve.
While Kilbourn does have a protected bike lane, it ends right where the accident happened. City plans show it will eventually be continued up to Wisconsin Avenue, though there's no clear timeline.
Newborn says the city is doing its part in making the streets safer for cyclists, but he says it's on us to do the rest.
"I think the city's been doing a lot, but I think we have to look at ourselves and individual drivers and individual people in our community, and how are we operating safely and looking out for our fellow, you know, residents and community members? You can't be in such a rush. Got to be aware of your surroundings for all users of the road."
The crash is still being investigated. CBS 58 has reached out to GO Riteway Transportation Services for comment, but we have not heard back yet.
