SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Highway Patrol troopers have reportedly found the vehicle they say struck and killed a bicyclist Saturday night in Seminole County.
The crash occurred around 9:46 p.m. on U.S. Highway 17-92, south of Spartan Drive, troopers said.
According to an FHP crash report, the bicyclist — a 25-year-old Winter Springs man — was traveling northbound within a marked bicycle lane between the outside travel lane and the right turn lane when a vehicle entered the northbound lanes of 17-92 from State Road 414, entered the outside lane, and struck him.
The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, the report states.
Troopers have since located a 2016 BMW X6 that they believe is the suspect vehicle. It’s been taken into evidence, according to FHP, and the findings will be sent to the FDLE.
Several local cyclists are describing their feelings after the deadly hit-and-run crash. Cyclist Johnathan Schwartz said he avoids the area altogether.
“I specifically don’t go that way because 17-92 and that Spartan interchange is just not a place where I want to ride my bike,” Schwartz explained.
He added that the setup makes it unsafe.
“It’s pretty much just a free-for-all for people making that right-hand turn and bikes. It’s pretty dangerous,” Schwartz added.
Tim Kingsbury, another local cyclist, shared that he also avoids the busy stretch.
“I tend to stay off 17-92 sidewalks,” he said.
Kingsbury, who rides his electric bike to pick up the newspaper from the Walgreens along 17-92, believes changes need to be made. “Speed limits may be a little bit high. I think a lot of people go 50 in the 45,” he said.
Schwartz believes the roadway should be reconfigured to better protect cyclists.
“Probably a more defined bike lane, or maybe not have that as a bike lane. It’s just not a good spot, and the way that the cars merge in, maybe there should be another lane. I’m not really sure—or some sort of barrier,” Schwartz said.
Both Schwartz and Kingsbury said they typically take their bikes out during slower times of the day. They agree that both drivers and bicyclists need to be more careful and mindful on the road.
Investigators are still working to confirm who was driving the vehicle during the crash.
The FHP said the case remains an active criminal investigation.
Anyone who has any more information about the crash is asked to contact FHP by dialing *FHP (*347) or to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
Note: This map depicts the general area of this crash and not necessarily an exact location.