A 57‑year‑old man from St. Landry Parish was fatally struck by a small SUV while riding his electric bike on the I‑49 frontage road near Opelousas, Louisiana, early Tuesday morning. Police say the driver voluntarily took a breathalyzer test, which showed no alcohol, and a routine toxicology sample was taken from the deceased. The crash is under investigation by Louisiana State Police, who confirmed the e‑bike was traveling southbound when the vehicle hit its rear wheel and forced the rider into a ditch.
E‑bikes are legal on public roads in Louisiana, subject to state classification rules, but must obey the same traffic laws as traditional bicycles.
Entities
I-49 service road · Louisiana State Police · Opelousas, Louisiana · St. Landry Parish · electric bike