Bike crashes on Imperial Hwy, Downey

We don't rate streets as safe or unsafe: crash counts can't say how risky a street is, and busy streets have more crashes partly because more people use them. This page covers traffic crashes, not crime. What the records show: 16 bike crashes were reported on Imperial Hwy in Downey from 2021–2026, 0 of them serious or fatal. The most were at Imperial Hwy & Columbia Way (6). 63% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across). 13% were riders hit from behind.

• The worst spot, on the mapImperial Hwy & Columbia Way6 crashes. Side-impact crashes at the junction.
• Next in DowneyLakewood Blvd21 bike crashes, 2021–2026
• The whole cityBike hotspots in Downey161 bike crashes, 2021–2026

• 63% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across).
• 13% were riders hit from behind.
• 13% happened after dark.

1. Imperial Hwy & Columbia Way

   6 crashes

   Side-impact crashes at the junction

   3 of 6 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal.

   • Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
   See it on the map

2. Imperial Hwy & Smallwood Ave

   3 crashes

   Side-impact crashes at the junction

   2 of 3 crashes were broadside: a vehicle hit at an angle, usually a driver pulling out of a side street or driveway, turning across, or running the signal.

   • Slow down approaching the junction, watch drivers' front wheels at side streets and driveways, and don't assume a driver waiting to turn has seen you.
   See it on the map

Spots with 3 or more reported crashes within about 250 m, worst first.

The busiest hour was 3 p.m..

Where on Imperial Hwy do the most bike crashes happen?

Imperial Hwy & Columbia Way, with 6 reported bike crashes from 2021–2026. Next are Imperial Hwy & Smallwood Ave (3).

How do cyclists usually get hit on Imperial Hwy?

63% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across). 13% were riders hit from behind. 13% happened after dark.

How many bike crashes happen on Imperial Hwy each year?

Reported bike crashes on Imperial Hwy in Downey: 2021: 3, 2022: 1, 2023: 1, 2024: 3, 2025: 6, 2026: 2. The latest year can rise as late reports come in.

Where does this data come from?

Police crash reports in the California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), published by the state on data.ca.gov, counted by the street each report names first. Only crashes reported with map coordinates are counted, so the real totals are higher.