A pre-dawn group ride in DeLand turned violent on Saturday when a pickup truck struck seven bicyclists, injuring multiple riders and sending four of them to area hospitals, according to state troopers.
The crash, which was caught on video, happened near Voorhis and Wade avenues in the early morning dark, troopers said. According to ClickOrlando, the Florida Highway Patrol reported that the collision occurred at about 6:50 a.m. and involved a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado that hit seven cyclists. Four people were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, and investigators are now reviewing video from the scene. FHP has said it is continuing to investigate how the crash unfolded and whether any charges will follow.
Why Florida's bicycle safety numbers matter
Florida is no stranger to grim cycling statistics. According to Alert Today Florida, the state repeatedly ranks near the top nationally for bicyclist fatalities, a trend transportation officials say demands changes in enforcement, roadway design, and visibility.
Researchers and safety advocates point to familiar trouble spots: exposure on busy roads, low-light conditions, and roadway geometry that can leave cyclists vulnerable to serious crashes. Incidents like the DeLand collision echo those statewide concerns and highlight how fragile the margin of safety can be for people on bikes.
Local safety work and what comes next
Volusia County has its own bicycle safety efforts aimed at cutting down on crashes in and around DeLand. The county maintains guidance and coordinates projects and outreach tailored to local riders and drivers. Volusia County's traffic engineering office stresses basics like helmet use, proper lighting, and careful lane positioning while larger infrastructure fixes are planned with state partners.
Troopers have not released the names of anyone involved in Saturday's crash, and it was not immediately clear what, if any, citations or charges might come next. The initial reporting and available video were gathered by local television and shared with authorities, according to ClickOrlando, and FHP investigators remain at the scene reviewing the evidence.
The collision underscores the risks cyclists face on suburban roads, even during routine weekend rides. Officials are urging anyone with additional video or information to contact the Florida Highway Patrol or local law enforcement as the investigation continues. This article will be updated as investigators release more information.
