An early morning accident in St. Petersburg has left an 83-year-old man dead after a collision with a car while bicycling. According to FOX 13 News, the incident occurred Friday morning at the intersection of 16th Street North and 5th Avenue North when the cyclist was struck by a red Dodge Journey. The St. Pete Police Department reported that the vehicle was traveling eastbound on 5th Avenue North and was executing a turn onto 16th Street North under a green light at the time of the accident.
Details provided by WFLA indicate that the victim, identified as Juan Yhanes, was transported to a hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries, he was not wearing a helmet, the driver of the car remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement officers who say that their investigation into the unfortunate event remains ongoing and are piecing together the circumstances that led to this tragic outcome.
Tampa Bay Times adds that Yhanes was crossing 16th Street North in a marked crosswalk at the time he was hit. This detail brings into question the safety measures and visibility in areas designated for pedestrians and cyclists, especially during the rush of early morning traffic when visibility might be compromised and the haste of commuters clouds the sanctity of life on the roads we are meant to share.
