Bike crash hotspots in San Luis Obispo, CA
172 bike crashes were reported in San Luis Obispo from 2021–2025, 22 of them serious or fatal (2 fatal). Below are the spots where they keep happening, what usually goes wrong at each one, and what to watch for.
Also: Pedestrian crash hotspots in San Luis Obispo (109 crashes)
How people on bikes get hit in San Luis Obispo
- 52% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across).
- 23% were sideswipes (close passes, right hooks, car doors).
- 14% happened after dark.
Where bike crashes cluster
Spots with 3 or more reported crashes within about 250 m, worst first.
1. Marsh St & Chorro St
15 crashes · 1 serious or fatalSide-impact crashes at the junction
8 of 15 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.
2. Higuera St & Madonna Rd
9 crashes · 2 serious or fatalSide-impact crashes at the junction
4 of 9 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.
3. Foothill Blvd & Rt 1
6 crashes · 1 serious or fatalA mix of crash types
- → No single crash pattern stands out here. Slow down, stay visible, and leave extra room.
4. California Blvd & Monterey St
6 crashesSide-impact crashes at the junction
5 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.
5. Broad St & Orcutt Rd
4 crashes · 1 serious or fatalSide-impact crashes at the junction
4 of 4 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. Traffic is posted at about 40 mph.
- → 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.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
6. California & Taft
5 crashesClose passes and cars turning alongside
2 of 5 crashes were sideswipes: a vehicle alongside, typically a close pass, a right hook, or an opening car door.
- → 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.
7. Los Osos Valley Rd & Madonna Rd
3 crashes · 1 serious or fatalSide-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. Traffic is posted at about 40 mph.
- → 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.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
8. Santa Rosa St & Walnut St
5 crashesSide-impact crashes at the junction
4 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% happened after dark.
- → 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.
- → Use a front and rear light, even on lit streets.
9. Johnson Ave & Monterey St
3 crashes · 1 serious or fatalClose 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.
- → 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.
10. Broad St & Tank Farm Rd
3 crashes · 1 serious or fatalClose 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. Traffic is posted at about 45 mph.
- → 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.
- → Traffic is fast here. A quieter parallel street is often worth the extra minutes.
Bike crashes in San Luis Obispo by year
| Year | Crashes | Serious/fatal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 36 | 6 | |
| 2022 | 33 | 5 | |
| 2023 | 24 | 3 | |
| 2024 | 39 | 4 | |
| 2025 | 40 | 4 |
Common questions about San Luis Obispo
- Where do the most bike crashes happen in San Luis Obispo?
- The worst spot is Marsh St & Chorro St, with 15 reported bike crashes from 2021–2025, 1 of them serious or fatal. Next are Higuera St & Madonna Rd (9) and Foothill Blvd & Rt 1 (6).
- How many cyclists were killed in San Luis Obispo?
- 2 crashes killed someone in 172 reported bike crashes in San Luis Obispo from 2021–2025, and 22 left someone seriously hurt or killed.
- How do cyclists usually get hit in San Luis Obispo?
- 52% were side-impact crashes at junctions (drivers pulling out or turning across). 23% were sideswipes (close passes, right hooks, car doors). 14% happened after dark.
- How many bike crashes happen in San Luis Obispo each year?
- Reported bike crashes with map locations: 2021: 36, 2022: 33, 2023: 24, 2024: 39, 2025: 40. 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. Only crashes reported with map coordinates are counted, so the real totals are higher.
Nearby cities
Source: California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), 2021–2025. Only crashes reported with map coordinates are counted, and many city police reports have none, so these numbers are lower than the real total. Busy streets show more crashes partly because more people use them. Data last rebuilt 2026-09-22. How the data works.