Bike crashes on Imperial Ave, San Diego

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: 20 bike crashes were reported on Imperial Ave in San Diego from 2021–2026, 0 of them serious or fatal. The most were at Imperial Ave & 13th St (5). 35% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across). 15% were sideswipes (close passes, right hooks, car doors).

• The worst spot, on the mapImperial Ave & 13th St5 crashes. Side-impact crashes at the junction.
• Next in San DiegoUniversity Ave58 bike crashes, 2021–2026
• The whole cityBike hotspots in San Diego1,668 bike crashes, 2021–2026

• 35% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across).
• 15% were sideswipes (close passes, right hooks, car doors).
• 25% happened after dark.
• 15% were hit-and-run.

1. Imperial Ave & 13th St

   5 crashes

   Side-impact crashes at the junction

   3 of 5 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. 40% were hit-and-run.

   • 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 Ave & 24th St

   3 crashes

   Close passes and cars turning alongside

   2 of 3 crashes were sideswipes: a vehicle alongside, typically a close pass, a right hook, or an opening car door. 67% happened after dark.

   • Ride at least 4 feet from parked cars to stay out of the door zone, and watch for drivers who overtake and then turn right across you.
   • Use a front and rear light, even on lit streets.
   See it on the map

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

The busiest hour was 5 p.m..

Where on Imperial Ave do the most bike crashes happen?

Imperial Ave & 13th St, with 5 reported bike crashes from 2021–2026. Next are Imperial Ave & 24th St (3).

How do cyclists usually get hit on Imperial Ave?

35% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across). 15% were sideswipes (close passes, right hooks, car doors). 25% happened after dark. 15% were hit-and-run.

How many bike crashes happen on Imperial Ave each year?

Reported bike crashes on Imperial Ave in San Diego: 2021: 3, 2022: 1, 2023: 2, 2024: 6, 2025: 4, 2026: 4. 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.