FHP investigates fatal hit-and-run of bicyclist

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal hit-and-run crash of a bicyclist Friday night in St. Johns County.

State troopers said 43-year-old Randy Miller was riding in the bike lane on State Road 16, just west of Four Mile Road, when he was hit just after 10:15 p.m. The driver didn't stop.

Miller was taken to Flagler Hospital, where he died Saturday morning.

Troopers said the vehicle that struck Miller likely has minimal front-end damage.

Anyone with any information about the hit-and-run crash is asked to all FHP at 904-925-5080 or the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office at 904-824-8304.

"I think it almost killed him instantly," said Sue Petit, a friend of Miller's. "The bicycle was so crumbled up. I just only hope and pray they find whoever did this."

Petit said the man she's known for years was riding his bike home from an IHOP restaurant, a two-mile commute that he traveled almost every day.

"It's just sad, just a cruel world we live in," Petit said.

This crash marks the third hit-and-run death of a bicyclist in St. Johns County in the last year, and the sixth in which a cyclist has died since 2011.

The bicycle group Velo Fest will attend a meeting of the St. Johns Traffic Safety meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday to air concerns about the number of bicyclists hit by vehicles in recent weeks.

"We are to the point where we need to find out why these keep happening," said Heather Neville, of Velo Fest. "We need to find solutions instead of finding fault."

"We have to create a plan of action, not discussions," Neville added. "We know there's an issue. What are the solutions? Infrastructure or education? We have to do something."


About the Authors:

Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.