JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man in his 20s on a bicycle was struck by an SUV Monday afternoon in the city's Woodstock area on the Westside, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said.
The accident occurred about 3:15 p.m. on Melson Avenue near 1st Street.
The bicyclist was taken to UF Health Jacksonville with critical injuries, according to Jacksonville Fire Rescue. His name was not released.
"When we pulled up, there was cops there and they put a dude on a stretcher," said Kyle Wester, who witnessed the crash.
Police said the driver of the Ford SUV remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. They do not expect any charges as a result of the accident.
Though police have not said whether speeding was a factor, residents said they were not shocked because many cars frequently speed down the road -- even when children are walking home from school.
"I just want everyone to be careful and watch their speeding and watch these kids out here because it could have been anybody. I think they need to lower the speed limit as well, being there are two schools down the road," said Deshawn, who has know the bicyclist for years. "It's sad but I mean at the same time, you have to be careful. Cars are speeding. Kids are getting out of school. You have to be careful of your surroundings and be careful of speeding."
Both Paxon School for Advanced Studies and James Weldon Johnson Middle School are located on Norman E. Thagard Boulevard, just a block away from the accident. Residents said they hope it will serve as a warning for children to be careful.