JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A bicyclist riding an e-bike was killed in a crash involving a tow truck Thursday morning at the intersection of Blanding Boulevard and San Juan Avenue, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
According to JSO Sergeant Robert Hungerford, around 10:35 a.m., a female bicyclist and a tow truck driver were traveling southbound on Blanding Blvd. And, as the tow truck made a right turn onto westbound San Juan Ave., the bicycle and the tow truck collided.
The bicyclist, who was in her mid-30s, died at the scene, according to JSO.
According to JSO, the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet.
The tow truck driver was cooperating with the investigation, and there were no indicators of impairment, according to JSO.
Concerns over the safety of e-bikes have been on the rise as they continue to become more popular.
On Monday night, a middle-school boy was airlifted to a trauma center with critical injuries after being involved in an e-bike crash on Race Track Road in St. Johns County.
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A day after the crash, the County Attorney’s Office for St. Johns County submitted a draft e-bike ordinance, but officials did not share further details on the exact changes.
In late March, the Atlantic Beach City Commission approved an ordinance aimed at regulating bikes, e-bikes, and personal mobility devices.
Some of the key rules and provisions approved by the city commission included e-bikes being restricted to a 10 mph speed limit and requiring all e-bikes to abide by “all state statues and regulations” like stop signs and bike laws.
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Thursday’s crash marked the 50th traffic fatality in Duval County so far this year and the 4th involving a bicycle.