Columbia businesses discuss speeding issues on Scott Boulevard following motorcycle crash

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A motorcycle crash Friday morning on Scott Boulevard has once again called attention to issues with speeding in the southwest Columbia area.

According to the Columbia Fire Department, the crash occurred a little before 6:30 a.m. near the intersection with Gillespie Bridge Road. The motorcycle rider was taken to local hospital with "critical injuries."

"There's a lot of people that go way to fast out there," said Joseph Rich, who is the owner of Retuva Medical Spa and Family Focus Eyecare. Rich added he has also seen vehicles speed through his business' parking lot to avoid traffic.

Several employees of Family Focus Eyecare agreed speeding is a common issue, with one comparing Scott Boulevard to Germany's 'Autobahn'.

Phuong Tran with Studio Style Salon told ABC 17 News that she often warns clients who are leaving to be careful when turning onto Scott Boulevard. She added it's common to hear motorcycles loudly driving through the area in the mornings and afternoons.

According to Lt. Scott Alpers with the Columbia Police Department, CPD is aware that Scott Boulevard can be a high-speed area.

"The traffic unit has been out there, and then when our patrol officers are out there, they're also enforcing those speed laws as well, due to the complaints that we've received," Alpers said.

According to prior reporting in 2025, the CPD has observed vehicles going nearly 100 miles per hour with 193 entries for Scott Boulevard in the CPD's 2024 traffic stop data.

MSHP's STARS crash map, there was an average of 6.75 vehicle crashes resulting in injuries on Scott Boulevard from 2022 to 2025. There have been at least seven crashes on Scott Boulevard since the start of 2026, including a rollover crash that resulted in one woman being injured in July 2026.

Alpers added CPD conducts speed enforcement campaigns in the area.

"They're going to be looking for drivers who are exceeding the speed limit, making enforcement stops, issuing tickets and educational campaigns as well," Alpers said.

CPD also reported more than 300 entries for Scott Boulevard in its traffic stop data for 2025.