A Sunday afternoon bike ride turned tragic at the Flagler–Volusia county line, where a 64-year-old Ormond Beach man was killed after a collision with a pickup truck on U.S. 1. Troopers said the crash happened just before 1 p.m. as the bicyclist, who was heading north in the outside southbound lane, moved into the path of a southbound Ford F‑150. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
According to News4JAX, the Florida Highway Patrol said the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet when he was struck. The driver of the pickup, a 32‑year‑old Palm Coast man, and a 1‑year‑old boy riding in the truck were not injured, troopers told News4JAX. FHP troopers are continuing to investigate the crash.
Where the crash occurred
U.S. 1 at the Flagler–Volusia line is a busy coastal corridor that carries traffic between Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and Palm Coast, and that stretch has seen its share of serious wrecks over the years. County-level data show Flagler recorded 44 bicyclist crashes and three bicyclist fatalities in 2023, highlighting the risks people on bikes face on county roads. Those figures come from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' annual crash report.
Local safety plans
Flagler County and Palm Coast have for years folded bike lanes, widened shoulders and multi‑use trails into their long-range plans and funding requests, aiming to cut down on conflicts on roads like U.S. 1. Local officials have pushed to widen Old Kings Road and pursue other corridor improvements as part of a broader effort to improve safety and create alternatives to crowded routes, according to local coverage.
Observer reporting has detailed those priorities and past funding requests tied to Old Kings Road and related projects. Observer Local News has tracked both county and city attempts to secure money for the work.
Investigation
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation and troopers said they responded to the scene Sunday afternoon, per News4JAX. Officials have not released additional information about what may have contributed to the crash or whether more details will be made public.
Helmet rules and the safety angle
Under Florida law, bicycle helmets are required only for riders and passengers younger than 16, according to Florida Statutes §316.2065, so an adult cyclist is not legally required to wear one. Public-health research and resources such as the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center note that helmets substantially reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in crashes, a point safety advocates often pair with renewed calls for better bike infrastructure.
