Bicyclist Killed in Waterloo After Being Struck by Two Vehicles

WATERLOO, N.Y. — A 61-year-old woman was killed Monday morning, September 8, 2025, after being struck by two vehicles while riding her bicycle on Hecker Road in the town of Waterloo.

According to the New York State Police, troopers from the Waterloo barracks responded at approximately 7:25 a.m. following reports of a serious crash involving a bicyclist and multiple vehicles.

Sequence of the crash

Preliminary findings indicate that the woman was riding eastbound on Hecker Road when she was struck by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. A second vehicle, also heading east, was unable to avoid the collision and struck the bicyclist as well. She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.

Authorities have not yet released the woman’s name, pending notification of her family.

Drivers remain at the scene

State police emphasized that both drivers stopped immediately after the incident and have been cooperating fully with investigators. Troopers also confirmed that there were no signs of impairment in either driver, and that speed does not appear to have been a contributing factor at this stage of the investigation.

Road closure and investigation

Hecker Road was closed for several hours on Monday morning as the State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit conducted a detailed analysis of the crash site. Investigators documented roadway conditions, vehicle positions, and visibility factors in an effort to piece together the exact circumstances leading up to the collision. The State’s commercial vehicle enforcement team also assisted in examining the vehicles involved.

Bicycle safety in focus

The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about bicycle safety in upstate New York. According to state transportation data, rural roads without designated bike lanes or paved shoulders present some of the highest risks for cyclists. In many cases, visibility and right-of-way issues are cited as contributing factors in crashes.

Local cycling advocates have long called for expanded road safety measures, including wider shoulders, clearer signage, and public education campaigns aimed at reducing bicycle-vehicle collisions. While it is too early to determine the official cause of Monday’s crash, investigators say they are examining whether road design or limited sightlines may have played a role.

Community reaction

The fatal crash has sent shockwaves through the Waterloo community, where many residents frequently use rural roadways for walking, running, and cycling. Several neighbors who live near Hecker Road expressed sadness over the incident, noting that traffic on the stretch can move quickly despite its narrow layout.

“This is devastating. So many of us walk or ride here every day, and something like this makes you realize how vulnerable you are,” one resident told reporters.

Ongoing investigation

The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing, and no charges have been filed. State police say updates will be provided once additional information becomes available.