A 51-year-old Sarasota man was killed Saturday night after an SUV struck him as he crossed U.S. 301 near 21st Street, according to Sarasota Police. The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, and detectives opened an active investigation while the intersection stayed shut down for hours so traffic and crash investigators could work the site.
Crash Details
Officers were called to the intersection of U.S. 301 and 21st Street around 8:30 p.m. on May 2, according to WWSB. Investigators say the victim, a 51-year-old Sarasota man, was riding westbound across U.S. 301 outside a crosswalk and was not wearing a helmet. A northbound SUV hit the bicyclist, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
What Police And Witnesses Saw
The small SUV was driven northbound by a 41-year-old Sarasota woman who stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators, according to WWSB. A nearby worker described a chaotic response as emergency crews tried life-saving measures before backing off. Traffic units remained at the intersection into the early morning while detectives documented the scene and collected evidence, the station reported.
U.S. 301 Safety In The Spotlight
U.S. 301 cuts through Sarasota as a busy multi-lane arterial and has been the focus of resurfacing and intersection projects aimed at cutting crashes, according to the FDOT District One roadwatch and the Sarasota/Manatee MPO Destination Zero safety action plan. Destination Zero flags major corridors for targeted engineering and pedestrian upgrades as part of a regional push to reduce roadway deaths and serious injuries. Along U.S. 301, local planners have discussed signal changes, improved crossings and sidewalk work to make walking and biking less hazardous.
Sarasota Police’s Traffic Unit is leading the investigation, which remains ongoing, according to Tampa Bay 28. Detectives are still processing evidence and have not released additional details about the victim. The department says it will share more information as the case develops.
