QuoteJACKSONVILLE, Fla.-- Police are investigating the scene of a traffic homicide at the intersection of St. Johns Bluff and Alden Road. A middle-aged man was struck and killed trying to cross the street on his bike shortly before 11 p.m.
According to witnesses, he was leaving the Kangaroo Gas Station near the intersection.
The victim cleared one car going southbound on St. Johns Bluff, but didn't see the one behind it. He was thrown from his bike. The driver ran to his side, along with other witnesses, but he died on scene.
At this time, the driver has not been charged. There's no indication of alcohol or any negligence.
http://www.fox30jax.com/content/topstories/story/Bicyclist-hit-by-SUV/xh2qjMyrg0SOD2seg9zHBg.cspx
This might turn out to be a record year. Looks like Jax is determined to keep its "most dangerous for pedestrians" rating. I hope the city planners & everyone else involved are proud of themselves. Here is the intersection: http://goo.gl/maps/DthDR
Hmm, the write up makes it seem like the cyclist was at fault here - he "cleared one car but did not see the one behind it.". If Jacksonville is becoming known as a dangerous place for cyclists and pedestrians , perhaps educating the cyclists and pedestrians is in order?
In my experience, the close calls I have been involved in are due to the cyclist or pedestrian not following the laws nor common sense and therefore putting themselves in harms way. It is then the driver's responsibility to avoid that accident, however, that is not always possible.
In this case, I certainly feel bad for the cyclist and his family, however, I feel just as badly for the driver who has to come to terms with this and live with it, even though it was not his fault.
Statistically speaking, it seems likely accidents involving bikes will be up, as there's an evidently substantial increase in people riding bikes this year.
The most dangerous areas are always going to be the long, wide high speed arterials.