A 54-year-old man from Superior Township died Tuesday evening, October 13, 2026, after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle on Ford Road in Canton Township. The Canton Township bicycle crash occurred near Southford Road, and police are investigating what led to the collision.

What Happened in the Canton Township Bicycle Crash

According to the Canton Police Department, officers responded at approximately 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to a collision involving a car and a bicycle near Ford Road and Southford Road, between Napier and Ridge roads.

A preliminary investigation found that a gold Toyota Camry was traveling east on Ford Road when it struck the bicyclist. Police identified the driver as a 26-year-old woman from Indiana.

Emergency medical personnel transported the bicyclist to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Authorities have not released his name.

Police said alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the collision. The Canton Police Department’s Accident Investigation Team responded to investigate.

Authorities have not announced whether any citations or charges will be issued. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not established who was responsible for the collision.

Bicycle Crashes Are Rising in Michigan

Michigan has experienced an increase in reported collisions involving bicyclists.

According to the Michigan State Police’s 2024 crash data release, bicyclist-involved crashes increased by 20 percent to 1,773 in 2024. Bicyclist fatalities also rose by 21 percent, reaching 29 deaths statewide.

These figures highlight the risks bicyclists face when sharing roads with motor vehicles.

Busy corridors such as Ford Road can present challenges for people traveling by bicycle. Multiple traffic lanes, turning vehicles, and driveway entrances require drivers and cyclists to remain attentive to surrounding traffic.

October also brings shorter daylight hours, making visibility an important consideration during late-afternoon and evening travel.

However, investigators have not identified visibility, roadway design, or any other particular condition as contributing to the October 13 crash.

Common Injuries in Bicycle Crashes

Police have not released information about the specific injuries sustained by the man who died in this collision.

In general, bicyclists have limited physical protection when struck by motor vehicles. Depending on the circumstances, a collision may cause injuries such as:

Head and brain injuries: Even when a rider wears a helmet, an impact with a vehicle or the pavement can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
Spinal cord and neck injuries: The force of a collision or fall may damage the spine and lead to lasting neurological complications.
Broken bones: Fractures involving the collarbones, wrists, arms, hips, and legs are common in serious bicycle accidents.
Internal injuries: Blunt force trauma to the chest or abdomen can damage organs and cause internal bleeding.
Road rash and lacerations: Sliding across pavement can cause deep abrasions, cuts, and other soft tissue injuries.

Some injuries require surgery, hospitalization, or extended rehabilitation.

Because symptoms of head trauma and internal injuries may not be immediately apparent, bicyclists involved in collisions should seek appropriate medical evaluation, even when they initially believe their injuries are minor.

Michigan Laws That Protect Bicyclists

Michigan law establishes rights and responsibilities for bicyclists and drivers sharing public roadways.

The following information explains general legal principles and does not establish fault in the October 13 collision.

Bicycle Rights and Michigan’s Three-Foot Passing Law

Under MCL 257.657, a person riding a bicycle on a roadway generally has the same rights and duties as a driver of a vehicle, subject to exceptions established by law.

Michigan also requires motorists to maintain appropriate clearance when overtaking bicyclists.

Under MCL 257.636, a driver overtaking a bicycle traveling in the same direction must pass at a safe distance of at least three feet to the left.

When passing at that distance is impracticable, the statute requires the driver to pass at a safe distance to the left and at a safe speed.

Drivers should wait until they can pass safely rather than attempt to squeeze between a bicyclist and nearby traffic.

These requirements are important for bicycle safety, although investigators have not reported that an improper passing maneuver caused the Canton Township collision.

No-Fault Benefits for Injured Bicyclists

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system may provide benefits to bicyclists injured in collisions involving motor vehicles.

Under MCL 500.3105, personal protection insurance (PIP) provides qualifying benefits for accidental bodily injuries arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle, without regard to fault.

For a bicyclist injured by a motor vehicle, determining which insurer must provide benefits requires examining the applicable priority rules.

Coverage may be available through the injured person’s own automobile insurance policy or certain household family members’ policies, depending on the circumstances.

MCL 500.3115 addresses insurer priority for certain people injured while not occupying a motor vehicle.

If no qualifying higher-priority insurance coverage is available or identifiable, the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan may provide a potential source of benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

Available benefits may include qualifying medical expenses and other covered losses. Fatal accidents may also involve funeral and burial benefits, subject to applicable statutory limits.

Our page on bicycle accidents explains additional considerations involving bicycle injuries and insurance claims.

Wrongful Death Claims and Determining Fault

When a bicycle collision results in a death, surviving family members may have questions about potential legal claims.

Under MCL 500.3135, Michigan law allows certain noneconomic damage claims arising from motor vehicle accidents that result in death, serious impairment of body function, or permanent serious disfigurement.

MCL 600.2922 permits the personal representative of a deceased person’s estate to bring a wrongful death action when the death resulted from another party’s wrongful act, neglect, or fault and the statutory requirements are satisfied.

A wrongful death claim is not automatic simply because a fatal collision occurred. Evidence must establish the legal basis for holding another party responsible.

Michigan’s comparative fault provisions, including MCL 600.2959, may also affect recoverable damages when responsibility is shared.

Many negligence-based injury claims are subject to a three-year limitations period under MCL 600.5805. However, the deadline for a particular wrongful death action depends on the underlying claim and any applicable legal exceptions.

No-fault benefits have separate filing and notice requirements under MCL 500.3145.

Families can learn more about wrongful death cases in Michigan and the legal requirements involved.

What Families Can Do After a Fatal Bicycle Crash

When a bicycle accident results in a death, families may need to address insurance questions and preserve important records while investigators determine what happened.

Several steps may help:

Request the crash report. Contact the investigating police department to learn when the report may become available.
Identify applicable insurance coverage. Determine which insurers may need notice of a potential no-fault claim and review applicable filing requirements.
Preserve the bicycle and equipment. The damaged bicycle, helmet, lights, and clothing may contain evidence relevant to the collision.
Ask about available video footage. Nearby businesses or property owners may have surveillance recordings that could help establish what occurred.
Keep relevant records. Save medical bills, funeral expenses, correspondence from insurers, and other documentation.

An attorney may also assist with evidence preservation and insurance communications while the investigation continues.

Our guide to bicycle accidents in Michigan provides additional information about bicycle safety and injury claims.

What to Do If You Are Hit While Riding a Bicycle

Bicyclists who survive a collision may face medical expenses, insurance questions, and uncertainty about their legal options.

Taking appropriate steps after an accident can help protect both their health and important evidence.

Call 911 and seek medical care. Report the collision and obtain appropriate medical attention, even if symptoms initially appear minor.
Collect information when possible. Obtain the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, license plate number, and witness information.
Document the scene. If it is safe, photograph the bicycle, vehicle, roadway, nearby traffic controls, and visible injuries.
Preserve damaged equipment. Avoid repairing or discarding the bicycle, helmet, or other items until their potential evidentiary value has been considered.
Contact the appropriate insurer. Report the accident promptly and determine which policy may provide qualifying no-fault benefits.
Use caution with recorded statements. Consider obtaining legal guidance before providing detailed recorded statements to another party’s insurance company.

The appropriate steps depend on the severity of the collision and the injured person’s medical condition. Immediate safety and treatment should always take priority.

How Drivers Can Help Keep Cyclists Safe

Drivers can reduce risks to bicyclists by remaining attentive and following Michigan traffic laws.

Allow adequate passing distance. Follow Michigan’s three-foot passing requirement and wait until it is safe to overtake a cyclist.
Check mirrors and blind spots. Look carefully for bicycles before turning or entering traffic from driveways and parking lots.
Adjust speed to conditions. Reduced visibility and changing traffic patterns may require additional caution.
Avoid distracted driving. Keep attention on the roadway rather than phones or other distractions.
Watch for cyclists near parked vehicles. Check for approaching riders before opening vehicle doors.

Motorists should also remember that bicyclists may need to move within a lane to avoid debris, potholes, or other roadway hazards.

Fall Riding Safety Tips

Shorter daylight hours and changing weather conditions can affect bicycle travel during the fall.

Cyclists can take several precautions to improve visibility and reduce certain risks.

Use appropriate bicycle lighting. A white front light and red rear light can improve visibility, particularly during low-light conditions.
Wear visible clothing. Bright colors and reflective materials can help drivers recognize cyclists.
Ride predictably. Follow applicable traffic laws, travel with traffic, and signal intended turns when safe.
Watch for turning vehicles. Pay particular attention near driveways, intersections, and commercial entrances.
Wear a properly fitted helmet. A helmet can reduce the risk of certain head injuries during a fall or collision.

These measures cannot prevent every accident, but they can help cyclists prepare for changing road conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much room must Michigan drivers give bicyclists?

Under MCL 257.636, drivers overtaking a bicycle traveling in the same direction generally must pass at a safe distance of at least three feet to the left. When that distance is impracticable, the driver must pass at a safe distance and safe speed.

Does Michigan no-fault insurance cover bicyclists hit by cars?

Michigan’s no-fault system may provide qualifying PIP benefits to bicyclists injured in collisions involving motor vehicles. Which insurer is responsible depends on applicable priority rules and available coverage. The Michigan Assigned Claims Plan may apply when no qualifying higher-priority coverage is available.

Do bicyclists have the same rights as drivers in Michigan?

Generally, yes. Under MCL 257.657, bicyclists riding on public roadways have many of the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers, subject to statutory exceptions and bicycle-specific rules.

What should I do if a driver hits me while I am riding a bicycle in Michigan?

Call 911, seek appropriate medical care, and collect the driver’s information and witness details when possible. Photograph the scene and preserve damaged equipment. Promptly investigate available insurance coverage and applicable filing requirements.

Can a family file a wrongful death claim after a fatal bicycle crash?

Possibly. Michigan law permits a wrongful death action when another party’s wrongful act, neglect, or fault causes a death and the applicable legal requirements are met. The personal representative of the estate generally brings the action. The filing deadline depends on the underlying claim and any applicable exceptions.

Our condolences go to the family and loved ones of the man who died following the October 13 collision on Ford Road.

The attorneys at Macomb County Accident Attorneys help injured bicyclists and families throughout Metro Detroit understand their options after serious crashes.

If you have questions about a bicycle accident or fatal collision, contact our office to discuss your circumstances.

Source: CBS Detroit

Bicyclist, 54, Killed After Being Struck on Ford Road Near Southford Road [CANTON TOWNSHIP, MI]