The local group Fallen Riders is urging that motorcyclists have proper training and gear before hitting the road.
SAN ANTONIO — A deadly week on San Antonio roads has left several families devastated after five motorcycle crashes occurred over five days—most resulting in death or serious injury.
The latest happened Thursday morning, when a motorcyclist was killed in a crash on Galm Road. Hours earlier, another rider, 23-year-old Daniel Rivera, was critically injured in a separate collision near Loop 410 and Airport Boulevard.
Rivera’s parents say he had just started a new job and was less than 10 minutes from his destination when the crash happened. He was wearing a helmet, according to police.
“According to the doctor, he’s got a broken pelvis, [they had to] remove some of his colon. He’s got some internal bleeding going on in his stomach area,” said Robert Rivera.
Rivera underwent a five-hour surgery following the crash. Police say the collision happened around 5 a.m. Thursday when a Toyota Corolla entered his lane and struck his motorcycle.
“Somebody was distracted, looked at the wrong intersection light, proceeded to go and he ran right into her,” Robert Rivera said, recalling what police told him.
The crash has left the family uncertain about Rivera’s future. He has been in previous motorcycle accidents, and his father said this could be the end of his riding days.
“I’m not gonna let him,” he said. “After this, I can’t take it no more.”
A father’s life cut short
The Rivera family’s pain mirrors the grief still felt by Desirae Galindo. Her father, 44-year-old Dakarai Clayton Griffin, died in a motorcycle crash in March 2024. Police said Griffin was hit by a distracted driver at the intersection of Crestway and Gibbs Sprawl Road.
“He was just full of life and energy,” Galindo said. “He was one of the most positive and outgoing people that I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling a parent.”
Galindo has kept his memory alive for the past 16 months.
“I have him with me every day,” she said. “We’ll bring him out for the holidays, too. My sibling keeps him in her room.”
She urges drivers to think twice before looking away, even for a moment.
“Be mindful of how one little wrong turn or looking away for a second can change somebody’s life forever,” she said.
Advocates urge caution and training
Motorcycle safety advocates with the group Fallen Riders say both riders and drivers must share responsibility.
“It’s the closest thing to flying. And everybody would love to fly if they had a superhero power,” said co-founder Zero Reyes.
Zero and fellow co-founder Jeanette Reyes say motorcyclists should focus on their training, gear and mindset before getting on the road.
“Your skill level, your awareness, wearing gear and getting the proper necessary training before you start jumping out onto public roads,” Zero said.
“I just encourage riders to also make sure they’re in the right head space before they jump on that motorcycle,” Reyes added. “Make sure that they’re operating it safely—not only for themselves, but for others as well.”
As the city reflects on a dangerous week for its motorcyclists, families like the Riveras and Galindos hope their stories serve as reminders to ride and drive responsibly.