Safety Improvements Planned for Bike Path After Serious Florida Bicycle Accident

A recent bicycle accident that critically injured a Lakeland man on Lake Hollingsworth Drive has led to a series of planned safety improvements to protect bicyclists along the popular route. The accident occurred on March 1 at the entrance to the Lakeland Yacht & Country Club parking lot when a 61-year-old Lakeland man turned his Ford Ranger directly in front of three bicyclists. The accident left a 62-year-old Lakeland resident with life-threatening injuries and one of the other riders with minor injuries. The third cyclist, a 47-year-old man also from Lakeland, refused medical treatment after the accident.

Police officers investigating the accident determined that the driver of the truck caused the accident by failing to yield the right of way to the cyclists at a location that is notorious for being a dangerous place to ride.

"It highlights in particular the dangers of that driveway (at the yacht club)," the uninjured rider said. "I hope the city will continue its efforts to improve the safety of that portion of the lake."

In the aftermath of the accident, the Lakeland City Commission appointed a task force that includes bicyclists, joggers, representatives from Florida Southern College and officials of the yacht club to suggest safety improvements for the area. Lakeland officials also contributed by installing stop signs at the Lake Hollingsworth Drive and Ingraham Avenue junction along the FSC campus. The city also announced additional safety measures, which will include a two-foot painted buffer zone between vehicle lanes and the popular bike lane that circles the lake. In addition, city officials are considering adding bumps 3/8 of an inch high along the stripe nearest the bike lane to alert drivers who drift too closely to the designated lane.

This accident illustrates the dangers that bicyclists face every day in Florida. Our state leads the nation in bicycle accidents every year, and Orlando bicycle accident attorney James O. Cunningham fully supports any measures that make our roads safe for cyclists and pedestrians. If you have been injured in a bike accident caused by a negligent driver and you want to learn more about your rights and legal options, experienced legal advice is just a phone call away. Call 386-243-4994 today to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Cunningham at one of his law offices throughout Central Florida. He is one of the most respected Orlando personal injury lawyers in our area and has been helping injured people since 1977.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.