Opelousas Man Killed While Riding E-Bike on I-49 Frontage Road

(Opelousas, Louisiana) - A St. Landry Parish man was killed on Tuesday while riding his electric bike on an I-49 service road.

Louisiana State Police say that a 57-year-old man was killed in the crash that occurred at 6 am on Tuesday on I-49 Service Road near LA. 3721.

Several people on social media reported seeing the crash, and in one photo, you could see damage to the passenger side of the vehicle that struck the man on the bike.

KLFY News 10 reports that Doucet was traveling southbound on the frontage road when, for unknown reasons, the small SUV hit the rear of the bike, forcing the passenger into a ditch.

Doucet was pronounced dead at the scene, and police say that the driver of the vehicle that hit the bike voluntarily submitted to a breathalyzer, and there was no trace of alcohol on the driver.

A routine toxicology sample was taken from the deceased, and there have been no results made public at this time.

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Our thoughts are with all of those impacted by this fatal crash. Louisiana State Police say that this crash remains under investigation.

Are E-Bikes Legal on Roads

Yes, electric bikes are allowed to be on public roads, and they are required to obey all traffic laws, just like anyone on a traditional bicycle. E-Bikes must fall into one of three classes in order ot be on the road.

According to Goat Power Bikes:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only; the motor cuts out once you reach 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted (can propel the bike without pedaling); cuts out at 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only; features a higher motor cutoff speed of 28