LAKELAND, FL — A bicyclist was killed Saturday night after being struck by a car in the Kathleen area, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred around 11 p.m. on August 15 on Frontage Road at Winston Creek Parkway. According to PCSO, a 43-year-old Plant City man was driving a 2004 Lexus sedan eastbound on Frontage Road when he struck an older man riding a blue beach cruiser-style bicycle in the same direction. Investigators said the bicyclist was riding several feet into the travel lane.
The bicyclist was not wearing reflective clothing or a helmet, and the bicycle did not have front or rear lights, according to investigators. He appeared to be wearing dark shorts and no shirt.
PCSO said the Lexus struck the rear of the bicycle, ejecting the bicyclist onto the hood of the car and partially through the passenger side of the windshield. The bicycle was dragged underneath the vehicle.
The bicyclist suffered fatal injuries. Authorities are still working to locate and notify his next of kin. Both directions of Frontage Road were closed for approximately three hours while the PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit investigated the crash.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
