Commerce Township, MI – A bicyclist remained in critical condition Wednesday after colliding with an SUV at a busy Oakland County trail crossing during the morning commute.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Commerce Township firefighters responded at approximately 6:16 a.m. to West Maple Road and the Michigan Air Line Trail crossing near Grandview Drive.
A preliminary investigation found that a 65-year-old Walled Lake woman was driving a 2008 GMC Envoy northwest on West Maple Road as she approached the marked trail crossing.
At the same time, a 48-year-old Commerce Township man was riding a Trek bicycle northeast on the trail and preparing to cross West Maple Road, investigators said.
Sheriff’s officials reported that the bicyclist failed to yield to the approaching SUV and entered the vehicle’s path, resulting in the collision. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not announced any citations.
The bicyclist suffered critical injuries and was transported by the Commerce Township Fire Department to Henry Ford Hospital-Novi. He remained in critical condition Wednesday afternoon.
The SUV driver was not injured. Authorities said she remained at the crash scene and was fully cooperating with investigators.
The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Investigators had not yet determined whether the driver was wearing a seat belt.
Officials do not believe excessive speed, alcohol or drugs contributed to the collision.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit also responded and mapped the crash scene to assist detectives with the department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit.
Drivers and trail users should remain alert when approaching marked crossings, particularly during early-morning hours when visibility may be limited.
