Cambridge, MA — December 19, 2024, one person was injured in a truck accident at about 7:30 a.m. near Murdock and Prospect streets.

Authorities said an electric bicycle rider was hit by a garbage truck as the truck was turning onto Hampshire Street.

The bicyclist, whose name has not been released at this point, was hospitalized with a serious leg injury, according to authorities. The injury is not life-threatening.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the accident.

The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When analyzing a crash involving a garbage truck and an electric bicycle (e-bike), as in this case, it’s important to account for the unique challenges posed by both vehicles and the urban environment in which the collision occurred. Crashes like this highlight the complexities of integrating large commercial vehicles and more vulnerable road users, especially newer modes of transportation like e-bikes, into shared spaces.

Garbage trucks, due to their size and design, have significant blind spots, particularly on the passenger side where vulnerable road users like bicyclists and e-bike riders are often located. While many trucks are equipped with mirrors, cameras or sensors to detect these road users, these tools require proper use and maintenance. It’s worth investigating whether the truck driver was aware of the e-bike’s presence and had adequate visibility before making the turn.

The crash occurred at an intersection, which is inherently a high-risk area for interactions between vehicles and e-bikes. E-bikes often occupy a gray area in terms of traffic rules — using bike lanes where available but sharing vehicle lanes in their absence. Investigators should evaluate whether the intersection at Murdock and Prospect streets was designed with appropriate markings, signals and lanes to safely accommodate both commercial vehicles and e-bikes.

Operating a garbage truck in urban environments requires drivers to anticipate and mitigate risks involving vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and now increasingly, e-bike riders. Investigators should review whether the garbage truck driver had received adequate training on handling right turns in areas with mixed traffic. If the truck lacked modern safety equipment, such as side guards or additional mirrors, those gaps may also have contributed to the crash.

Given that the collision occurred at 7:30 a.m., visibility may have been influenced by factors such as low light, sun glare or weather conditions. Investigators should also assess whether the intersection was well-lit and if any obstructions may have limited the truck driver’s or e-bike rider’s view.

This crash warrants a thorough investigation because of the injuries suffered by the e-bike rider. If the official investigation does not address all of the questions raised here, perhaps an independent review may be necessary.