Madison Bicycle Crash: Driver Cited for Third OWI Offense

On Friday, Madison police released new details about a Thursday evening crash involving a car and a bicyclist that resulted in the driver being cited for his third operating while intoxicated (OWI) offense. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Milwaukee Street and Lansing Street on the city’s east side.

According to the Madison Police Department (MPD), officers responding to the scene determined that the bicyclist had ridden directly into the path of an oncoming car. The driver, who was not at fault in the collision, was subsequently cited for a third-offense OWI—a charge that carries significantly stiffer penalties under Wisconsin law than a first or second offense.

The bicyclist, described as a male adult, suffered road rash and other minor injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. MPD did not release the names of either the driver or the bicyclist, citing the ongoing investigation.

The crash has reignited discussions about impaired driving enforcement in Madison, where OWI arrests have remained a persistent issue. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, third-offense OWI is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 days in jail, a fine of $600 to $2,000, and a 12-month driver’s license revocation. Offenders are also required to install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle they operate.

MPD spokesperson [Name] noted that the driver’s prior OWI convictions were not related to this crash, but the citation underscores the state’s zero-tolerance approach to repeat offenders. “Even if a driver is not at fault in a collision, if they are found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will be held accountable,” the spokesperson said.

Local cycling advocates have called for better infrastructure on Milwaukee Street, a corridor known for high traffic volumes and limited bike lanes. The crash, while not the driver’s fault, highlights the vulnerability of cyclists in mixed traffic. The Madison Bicycle Federation urged all drivers to remain vigilant, especially at intersections where cyclists may appear suddenly.

The investigation is ongoing, and police have not announced whether the driver will face additional charges. The driver is scheduled to appear in Dane County Court on [date] for the OWI citation.

This incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of impaired driving, even in situations where the intoxicated driver is not the primary cause of a crash. Wisconsin law allows for enhanced penalties for OWI offenses involving injuries, though in this case, the bicyclist’s injuries were minor.

Police encourage anyone with information about the crash to contact the Madison Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit. Meanwhile, the public is reminded to never drive under the influence and to always yield to pedestrians and cyclists.

For more local news, download the WMTV15 News app or the WMTV15 First Alert weather app.