Bicyclist Airlifted to Harborview After I-5 Crash Near Bellingham
The multi-vehicle and bicycle crash occurred around 11:07 a.m., just north of the Samish Way exit, according to Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding.
A bicyclist suffered serious injuries in a multi-vehicle crash on northbound I-5 near milepost 247 in Whatcom County on April 21. Airlifted to Harborview. Charges under investigation. (Bellingham Fire Dept.)
By BRIAN HENDERSON · April 21, 2026 · PNW Daily
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Bellingham man riding his bicycle legally on Interstate 5 suffered serious injuries Tuesday when a merging vehicle triggered a chain-reaction crash that swept him off the shoulder and into the guardrail near milepost 247.
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The multi-vehicle and bicycle crash occurred around 11:07 a.m., just north of the Samish Way exit, according to Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding.
The incident involved two passenger vehicles and a bicyclist traveling legally on the right shoulder.
How the Crash Unfolded
Investigators say the incident began when a vehicle in lane one merged into lane two directly in front of another northbound vehicle.
The sudden move caused the second vehicle to strike it.
The impact pushed one of the vehicles into the guardrail. It then rotated and struck the bicyclist on the shoulder.
Injuries and Response
The bicyclist, Jason E. Trenner, 50, of Bellingham, suffered serious injuries.
Airlift Northwest transported him to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Officials have not released his condition.
The two drivers were not injured. Halle L. Tjoelker, 23, of Blaine, drove Vehicle 01. Lila B. Katwyk, 18, of Sedro-Woolley, drove Vehicle 02 and placed the initial 911 call. Both wore seatbelts.
The crash involved a 2005 Kia sedan with significant damage and a 2009 Honda Fit that was totaled.
Nearby Lake Samish residents and stranded motorists filmed helicopters as crews responded. Bellingham Fire Department and South Whatcom Fire Authority assisted at the scene.
Traffic Impact and Investigation
The multi-vehicle and bicycle crash blocked northbound lanes for several hours and caused heavy delays. Crews set up detours while traffic backed up in the area.
Officials did not provide an estimated reopening time during the response.
The Washington State Department of Transportation allows bicycling on this stretch of I-5 if riders stay on the shoulder. Authorities have not confirmed drugs or alcohol as factors.
Troopers continue to investigate the cause and may file charges against the driver of Vehicle 01.
PNW Daily will update this story as the investigation progresses.
WSP Incident Summary — Report 26-008374
Location: Northbound I-5, Milepost 247, Whatcom County
Date/Time: April 21, 2026 at 11:07 a.m.
Injured: 1 (airlifted) · Deceased: 0
Vehicles: 2005 Kia (reportable damage) · 2009 Honda Fit (totaled)
Cause: Under investigation · Drugs/Alcohol: Unknown
What People Are Asking
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on I-5 near milepost 247 in Bellingham on April 21?
A multi-vehicle crash on northbound I-5 near milepost 247 struck a bicyclist riding legally on the right shoulder. A merging vehicle caused a chain-reaction collision that pushed one car into the guardrail, which then rotated and hit the cyclist. The bicyclist was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Who was the bicyclist injured on I-5 near Bellingham?
Jason E. Trenner, 50, of Bellingham. He suffered serious injuries and Airlift Northwest transported him to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. His condition has not been publicly released.
Is it legal to ride a bicycle on I-5 near Bellingham?
Yes. The Washington State Department of Transportation permits bicycling on this stretch of I-5 provided riders stay on the right shoulder. The bicyclist in this incident was riding legally at the time of the crash.
Will charges be filed in the I-5 milepost 247 crash?
The Washington State Patrol lists charges as under investigation for the driver of Vehicle 01, Halle L. Tjoelker, 23, of Blaine. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Drugs and alcohol involvement is unknown.
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PNW Daily brings you this traffic report is part of the ongoing crash report series sponsored by CrashLaw.NET. If you’ve been seriously injured, give Ziad Youssef and the team a call today at (360) 255-5046.
