Bicyclist Critically Injured at Azalea and Cottage Hill Roads; Driver Returned, No Charges for Now

MOBILE, Ala. — A man riding a bicycle was struck by a vehicle Tuesday night near the intersection of Azalea Road and Cottage Hill Road in west Mobile, leaving the bicyclist critically injured, according to the Mobile Police Department.

The driver initially kept going after the crash but later returned to the scene, police said, and no criminal charges are being filed at this time.

What police say happened

Officers were called to the area of Azalea Road and Cottage Hill Road shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, after the bicyclist was hit, according to officials.

The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that authorities described as life-threatening. His name and current condition have not been released.

Initial reports from city officials said the driver had left the scene and had not been found, and the Mobile Police Department opened a hit-and-run investigation.

Police later said the driver is a woman between 20 and 25 years old. According to officers, she continued driving after the collision because she was scared. She then came back to the scene, police said.

Because the driver returned, officers said no criminal charges are being filed at this time. Police have not released the driver’s name, and they did not say whether the investigation could lead to charges later.

The intersection

Azalea Road and Cottage Hill Road are both busy commercial corridors in west Mobile, lined with shopping centers, restaurants and other businesses. The intersection draws steady vehicle traffic throughout the day and into the evening.

What the law expects of drivers after a crash

In general terms, Alabama law requires a driver involved in a crash that injures or kills someone to stop at the scene or as close to it as possible, give their name, address and vehicle information, and provide reasonable help to anyone who is hurt, including arranging medical care. Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury can be a criminal offense.

Police have not said how the facts in Tuesday’s crash fit within those requirements beyond their statement that no charges are being filed at this time because the driver returned.

Anyone involved in or witnessing a crash where someone is hurt should call 911 immediately, stay at the scene if it is safe to do so, and wait for officers to arrive.

Sharing the road safely

Tuesday’s crash is a reminder that bicyclists have little protection in a collision with a car or truck. Since 2015, Alabama law has required drivers passing a bicyclist to leave at least 3 feet of space. Safety advocates offer additional general guidance for both drivers and riders:

For drivers

• Watch for bicyclists, especially at intersections, when turning and after dark.
• Give riders at least 3 feet of room when passing, and slow down while doing so.
• Put the phone away; a few seconds of distraction can be enough to miss someone on a bike.
• Check mirrors and blind spots before turning or opening a car door.

For bicyclists

• Use a white front light and a red rear light or reflector when riding at night.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing and a properly fitted helmet.
• Ride with the flow of traffic and obey traffic signals and signs.
• Be predictable, signal turns and make eye contact with drivers at intersections when possible.

At a glance

• When: Just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026.
• Where: Area of Azalea Road and Cottage Hill Road, Mobile.
• Injured: A man riding a bicycle, hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
• Driver: A woman in her early 20s who police say drove off out of fear, then returned to the scene.
• Charges: None at this time, according to police.
• Investigating agency: Mobile Police Department.

South AL News will update this story if police release more information about the bicyclist’s condition or the investigation.