Police: Bicyclist hit by motorist in Mandarin area

Bicyclist in critical condition after being hit by pickup on San Jose Boulevard

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A bicyclist is fighting for his life after he was hit by a pickup truck on San Jose Boulevard in the Mandarin area.

The incident happened at about 1 p.m. Sunday just south of Ricky Road. Police said one northbound lane of San Jose Boulevard was blocked for about two hours.

Investigators said a middle-aged man was seen exiting a parking lot when he entered the road and was struck by a truck.

First responders rushed the bicyclist to the hospital with head injuries, and police said he is in critical condition.

Currently, on the stretch of the road where the accident happened, there is no designated bike lane. But many bike riders still regularly ride there, and being hit is becoming a concern for some.

Jeff Evans has been cycling for ten years. He said he thinks about the possibility of being hit all the time.

"Absolutely treacherous if it's busy like it is today -- it's Father's Day," said Evans. "If you're down there in the right of way where there is no designated bike lane, people are just coming along at 50, 60 miles per hour. Even though it's 45 here."

Evans believes more needs to be done to prevent these types of accidents from happening on San Jose.

"They need to re-engineer the way the sidewalks are and pull in some feet for a designated bike lane," said Evans. "That should've been done when they built these roads, but unfortunately it has not."

Police said there are no charges pending in the accident. They said the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet and that this incident serves as a reminder to wear both a helmet and reflective clothing when cycling.


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.