BICYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED

Alarming statistics of bicyclist seriously injured or even killed continue to escalate this year. August 3rd a bicyclist sustained serious injuries when they were struck by a vehicle on Beach Blvd. at 6th Street. During the same week on August 1st David Talley a 58 year old father and grandfather was struck from behind by a Ford truck while riding his bike on Jacksonville’s Westside of town. David Talley died at the scene. July 21st a car collided with a bicycle in Crescent Beach sending the bicyclist to the hospital with serious injuries. The very next day a woman was left in critical condition after she was hit by a vehicle while riding her bike in the Arlington area of Jacksonville. July 12th a bicyclist was taken to UF health after being struck by a vehicle on Marsh Landing. Less than a week after this incident a serious bicycle accident on July 6th claimed the life of Christian Meier a 17 year old decorated member of the Navy Junior ROTC program at Nease High School on Palm Valley Road. How can we change this alarming trend? Drivers need to be aware that 6 p.m.-9p.m. is the time period with the greatest percentage of fatal bike crashes. Don’t drive distracted or impaired and always remember to “Look Twice” and “Share the Road.” Cyclist and drivers make mistakes that contribute to crashes, but when a crash happens involving a cyclist and a vehicle it is often the cyclist who is seriously injured or killed. The NHTSA has a wealth of information for cyclist. Parents and teachers you can download age appropriate activities provided by the National Highway Traffic Administration to help teach your children more about bicycle safety. http://www.nhtsa.gov/bicycles