On November 1st, what is believed to be a white Chrysler 200 struck a bicyclist as he was crossing 49th Street on the Pinellas Trail (666 49th Street S.). The driver stopped to move the bicycle out of the roadway and drove off. The victim suffered broken bones, but his injuries are not life-threatening.
The original video posted did not contain much information but generated strong opinions and feelings on social media.
IONTB has received additional footage and information regarding the incident.
Moments before the bicyclist entered the crosswalk, one of two cyclist crossing the same crosswalk from the opposite side of the street, pressed the button to activate the flashing lights (to stop traffic). When the bicyclist entered the crosswalk, the lights were still flashing and he had crossed half of 49th St. S when the suspect’s vehicle hit him.
According to police, the bicyclist had the right of way and won’t face any charges. They did opine that, “the bicyclist could’ve exercised more caution and stopped.”
The law requires that drivers stop if there is anyone in a crosswalk. Police say the driver who hit him was obligated to stay at the scene until police arrived.
If anyone has any information about the identity of the driver of the white sedan involved, please contact SPPD at 727-893-7780.