Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating a crash that left a bicyclist critically injured in Madeira Beach.
The crash occurred at 129th Avenue West and Gulf Boulevard on the north side of the John’s Pass bridge at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2020.
According to investigators, a 38 year-old driver was crossing northeast on Gulf Boulevard to get to 129th Avenue West in a City of Madeira Beach garbage truck.
Deputies say 44 year-old Julie Henning of Alexandria, Virginia, was riding her bicycle in the designated bike lane northbound over John’s Pass Bridge on Gulf Boulevard, approaching 129th Avenue West.
According to a witness and the garbage truck passenger, Henning was unable to stop at the base of the hill after crossing the bridge. Henning struck the passenger side of the garbage truck that entered her path of travel. She was ejected from the bicycle. Investigators say that Henning was wearing a helmet.
Henning was transported to the trauma center Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with critical injuries.
The driver of the garbage truck, 38 year-old John Leppert, was cited for failure to yield to a bicyclist in a bicycle lane and failure to yield while approaching/entering the intersection.
Impairment and speed do not appear to be a factor in the crash, according to investigators.
The investigation continues.