HOUSTON — A school bus driver here allegedly fatally struck a bicycle rider on Thursday afternoon.
The bicyclist was struck when the bus driver was departing from a stop sign and traveling eastbound on East 8th St., according to a news release from the Houston Police Department. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Houston Police Department Lt. Thurston Roberson added in a press conference that the bus driver went in front of the bicyclist and hit him, Houston Chronicle reports. The bicyclist, who was identified as David Leon Loya, KTRK reports, was in the bike lane, according to police. Police added that they believe Loya anticipated the crash and tried to react, according to KTRK.
Houston Independent School District officials said in a statement, Houston Chronicle reports, that there was one student aboard the bus at the time, and that the driver and student were not injured. Neighbors told KTRK that the bus driver exited the bus and appeared to be distraught. She was taken to the hospital.
Investigators are reviewing footage from a camera aboard the school bus, and the district told the news source that its transportation department is cooperating with the investigation.
KTRK reported on Friday that a grand jury will determine whether the bus driver should be criminally charged for the incident.
Texas Cyclist Fatally Struck by School Bus
The bus driver is departing from a stop sign when she allegedly hits the bicyclist. He is pronounced dead at the scene.
More Safety
What Data Shows About Student Transportation in 2026
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Read More →
NTSB Calls for Alcohol Impairment Systems, Seat Belts After W.V. Crash Investigation
The federal agency's report asks NHTSA to require all new school buses to be equipped with vehicle-integrated alcohol detection systems and passenger lap-shoulder belts.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
2 Students Die in Tennessee School Bus Crash with Dump Truck
A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: Driver Shortages, EV Debates & Safety Upgrades
From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
Senate Report: Autonomous Car Companies Hiding Reliance on Remote Operators
Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.
Read More →
Industry Suppliers Offer Distracted Driving Awareness Month Reminders
Distracted driving continues to pose serious risks in school zones, with new data and driver insights highlighting ongoing concerns and potential solutions to improve student and roadway safety.
Read More →
NTSB Names Michael Graham Vice Chair: Where He Stands on School Bus Safety
A former airline pilot has stepped into a new role at the independent federal agency, but where does he stand on issues like seat belts on school buses? Here’s what he’s said.
Read More →
'A Train Is Coming': Florida School Bus Close Call Highlights Critical Railroad Safety Reminders
Two recent close calls at railroad crossings, a train clipping a bus and a rear-end crash, highlight why vigilance and training still matter. Here’s what happened and what to tell your own drivers.
Read More →
No Train, No Stop? FMCSA Considers Rule Change for School Buses
The federal agency's proposed rulemaking would eliminate the requirement for school buses to come to a complete stop at railroad crossings if the warning device is not activated. The goal: to improve traffic flow and save costs. With new data released, public comment is open through April 27, 2026.
Read More →