ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The Arlington Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving an electric bicycle and a pickup truck that occurred on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The incident claimed the life of the 21-year-old e-bike rider.
Crash Details
- Victim: Tariq Muhammad, 21, identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.
- Time and Location: The crash occurred shortly before 5:00 p.m. in the 2400 block of Southwest Green Oaks Boulevard.
- Incident Summary: Investigators determined that a Dodge Ram pickup truck was exiting a parking lot to turn westbound onto SW Green Oaks Blvd when the e-bike rider collided with the vehicle. The force of the impact caused the rider to be thrown from his bike.
- Tragic Outcome: Mr. Muhammad was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 8:00 p.m. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries.
- Investigation Status: The driver of the pickup truck immediately stopped, remained at the scene, and fully cooperated with the police. Authorities do not believe the driver was speeding or intoxicated, and no criminal charges are being filed in connection with the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
This accident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols for both bicyclists and motorists on shared roadways, especially with the increased popularity of electric bikes.
Enhanced Road Safety and Awareness Tips
The rise in popularity of electric bicycles, which can travel at higher speeds than traditional bikes, necessitates heightened awareness from all road users. Here are key safety tips for preventing collisions and promoting a safer travel environment in our communities:
Tips for Electric Bicycle Riders
- Boost Your Visibility: Always wear bright-colored or reflective clothing, even during the day. Use a white front light and a red rear light or reflector at all times, as mandated by state law for low-light conditions. E-bikes are quiet and fast, making visibility crucial.
- Ride Defensively and Predictably: Assume drivers do not see you. Make eye contact with drivers at intersections and driveways. Ride in a straight, predictable line and use clear hand signals well in advance of turning or stopping.
- Obey All Traffic Laws: E-bikes are generally treated as bicycles under Texas law, meaning riders must follow all motor vehicle traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights.
- Watch for Exiting Vehicles: Use extreme caution when riding past driveways and parking lot exits, as vehicles entering the roadway may not see or correctly judge the speed of an approaching e-bike.
- Wear a Helmet: While Texas law may not mandate helmets for all adult riders, wearing a CPSC-approved helmet is the single most effective way to prevent a severe head injury in a crash.
Tips for Motor Vehicle Drivers
- Check Blind Spots Thoroughly: E-bikes, like motorcycles and scooters, can be difficult to see and may be moving faster than expected. Always perform a “Dutch Reach” (using the far hand to open the car door, forcing a shoulder check) and look twice for cyclists and pedestrians before turning or exiting a parking spot.
- Yield to Entering Traffic: As demonstrated in this crash, vehicles exiting parking lots must yield the right of way to all traffic already on the roadway, including e-bikes and conventional bicycles.
- Maintain Safe Passing Distance: Leave a minimum of three feet of space when passing a bicycle or e-bike, as required by Texas state law.
- Minimize Distractions: Avoid using cell phones and other distractions. A moment of distraction can have tragic and irreversible consequences when sharing the road with vulnerable users.
