The Most Dangerous Intersections For Bicyclists In Port Charlotte
Bryan Greenberg
Accident Lawyers
Personal Injury
When a lot of law firms write about bicyclists, they take the tone that most bicyclists are out on a leisurely ride for exercise. While that’s true often enough, in Florida’s 95-degree heat, many cyclists are not riding for exercise - they are riding because it's their daily transportation to and from work, or out going to the store on errands. This means they must ride a bicycle through some of the busiest and most pedestrian-unfriendly intersections in the area on a daily basis. This places those who must ride a bike, or e-bike for transportation in a much more dangerous situation than people fortunate enough to have a motor vehicle.At All Injuries Law Firm in Port Charlotte, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences that can arise from bicycle and pedestrian accidents at busy intersections. One of the most pedestrian and cyclist-unfriendly intersections is the intersection of Tamiami Trail (US 41) and Kings Highway.
This intersection, in particular, is one of the most dangerous, presenting a series of challenges that make it especially difficult for bicyclists and pedestrians. Bicyclists and pedestrians attempting to cross Tamiami Trail here must brave an intersection with 6 lanes, potentially highspeed vehicles, and chaotic traffic with drivers not looking out for pedestrians. A recent tragic and fatal accident underscores the risks in this area.
Below are the factors of the intersection at US 41 and Kings Highway that combine to make a potentially deadly situation:
Heavy High-Speed Traffic: With six lanes of traffic, the volume and speed of vehicles are considerably higher. Bicyclists must contend with cars and trucks moving at varying speeds, often making it difficult to judge safe crossing times or merge with the flow of traffic.
Lane Changing and Merging Risks: On expansive roads like US 41 and Kings Highway, vehicles frequently change lanes or merge. For bicyclists, this means they must be constantly vigilant, anticipating the movements of multiple vehicles simultaneously.
Extended Crossing Times: For a bicyclist, traversing six lanes takes considerably more time than crossing a smaller road. This extended exposure in the roadway increases the chances of a collision, especially if traffic signals or pedestrian crosswalk timings are not optimized for slower-moving individuals.
Reduced Visibility: On wider roads, it's easier for a bicyclist to be in a vehicle's blind spot, especially when multiple lanes of traffic are between them. This makes maneuvers like lane changes or turns particularly hazardous.
The combination of these dangers was proved to be deadly last Monday when a man was fatally struck while bicycling through this very intersection. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the vulnerabilities bicyclists face, especially on expansive, multi-lane highways.
For the safety of all road users, it's imperative to re-evaluate the design and safety measures of such intersections, considering the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians. Until more comprehensive solutions are implemented, we urge all drivers to exercise heightened caution and awareness, especially in areas frequented by high levels of traffic.
Getting Help After An Accident
If you or a loved one has been harmed while attempting to lawfully cross a street in Southwest Florida you may be entitled to compensation. The Bicycle Accident Attorneys at All Injury Law Firm will fight for your right to fair compensation. Call today for your 100% free case review.
Bicyclist Killed After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On Kings Highway In Port Charlotte
Charlotte County - Florida Highway Patrol announces a fatal bicycle accident occurred Monday afternoon at the intersection of US 41 and Kings Highway in Port Charlotte on August 28, 2023, at approximately 4:00 PM.
According to a report provided by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), a pickup truck driven by an 18-year-old man from Punta Gorda, was traveling south on Kings Highway. As he approached the intersection of US 41, a 44-year-old man who was riding a bicycle from Port Charlotte entered the intersection of Kings Highway and US 41 at the same time and into the path of the oncoming truck at approximately 4:00 PM.
The driver of the pickup truck could not avoid hitting the bicyclist and collided with the bicyclist at speed. FHP stated that unfortunately, the 44-year-old bicyclist from Port Charlotte was fatally injured by the collision and pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck did not sustain any injuries.
The circumstances leading up to the accident remain under investigation by the FHP. We urge the community to exercise caution, only attempt to cross in the crosswalk during the walk signal, and remain vigilant while on the road, especially at intersections.