Lewiston, Idaho Motorcyclist Hospitalized With Life-Threatening Injuries After Bryden Canyon Road Crash
22-Year-Old Loses Control While Passing Traffic on Sunday Morning
LEWISTON, Idaho — A 22-year-old Lewiston man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries Sunday morning after losing control of his motorcycle on Bryden Canyon Road, according to the Lewiston Police Department.
The crash occurred around 9:30 a.m. on April 20 when the motorcyclist was attempting to pass other vehicles on Bryden Canyon Road. Police say the rider lost control and left the north side of the roadway near the 8th Street exit before crashing. Emergency responders transported the man to a local hospital, where he was admitted with injuries described as life-threatening.
The Lewiston Police Department responded to the scene and launched a formal investigation into the circumstances of the crash. As part of that investigation, westbound traffic on Bryden Canyon Road was closed for approximately two hours Sunday morning, causing delays for residents traveling through the area.
Police Seeking Witnesses to the Crash
Lewiston Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the incident to come forward. Authorities have directed witnesses to contact Sgt. Craig Roberts at 208-746-0171.
Bryden Canyon Road is one of the primary arterial routes connecting Lewiston’s lower and upper terrain, serving as a key corridor for commuters and residents throughout the city. The stretch near the 8th Street exit sees regular traffic flow, particularly on weekend mornings. A two-hour closure of the westbound lanes during the investigation would have affected a significant number of drivers navigating that portion of the Lewis-Clark Valley.
The Lewiston Police Department has not released additional details regarding the exact cause of the crash or whether speed played a factor beyond the reported attempt to pass other vehicles. The investigation remains ongoing.
Motorcycle Safety Remains a Concern on Idaho Roads
Motorcycle crashes resulting in serious or fatal injuries are a persistent public safety concern across Nez Perce County and throughout Idaho. The spring and early summer months, when warmer weather draws more riders onto roadways, historically see an uptick in motorcycle-related incidents statewide.
Idaho law requires motorcyclists to hold a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license and to comply with all traffic laws, including regulations governing passing other vehicles. Riding at speed while passing on roads with curves or elevation changes — as is common along Bryden Canyon Road — presents heightened risk to both the motorcyclist and other drivers sharing the road.
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, located in Lewiston, serves as the primary trauma care facility for much of the region, including Nez Perce County and surrounding areas. Patients with life-threatening injuries from traffic incidents in the Lewis-Clark Valley are frequently transported there for emergency care.
The identity of the injured motorcyclist has not been publicly released by the Lewiston Police Department at this time. His current condition as of Monday had not been updated in official statements.
What Comes Next
The Lewiston Police Department’s investigation into the Bryden Canyon Road crash is ongoing. Authorities are encouraging any witnesses who have not yet spoken with investigators to contact Sgt. Craig Roberts at 208-746-0171 as soon as possible. Additional findings from the investigation, including any determination of contributing factors, are expected to be released once the inquiry is complete. Nez Perce County News will continue to follow this story and provide updates as new information becomes available from law enforcement. For statewide traffic and public safety news, visit Idaho News, and for regional coverage across the network, visit Idaho News Network.