DELRAY BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2023) — 6 bicyclists were struck by an SUV early on Thursday morning in Gulfstream.
In the early morning, around 6;45 a.m., there was a collision between an SUV and a group of cyclists on the 2800 block of N. Ocean Blvd. In Gulf Stream. Delray Beach Fire Rescue quickly responded to the incident and provided transportation for both the driver of the vehicle and six cyclists involved. Unfortunately, three cyclists are currently being treated as trauma alerts. As a result of this accident, N. Ocean Blvd. Is temporarily closed between the George Bush Blvd bridge and Woolbright bridge, allowing only limited local traffic to pass through. The Gulf Stream Police Department is now conducting an investigation into this matter.
According to witnesses, an elderly woman was driving the wrong way, before plummeting into the 6 bicyclists who were riding on the right side of the road.
Is It Safe To Ride A Bicycle In Palm Beach County?
Palm Beach County holds the sixth position among Florida counties with a population of over 200,000 in terms of traffic accidents that caused serious injuries or fatalities to pedestrians and bicyclists. Between January 1, 2023 and November 5, 2023, there were a total of 1,412 collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists in Palm Beach County. Among these collisions, there were 119 incidents resulting in serious injuries and 45 incidents resulting in fatalities.
A spokesperson with PBSO tells Boca Post that the Sheriff’s Office has implemented High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) Details at specific intersections across central Palm Beach County since August 30, 2023. These details are made possible through a partnership between the University of North Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation’s focused initiative aimed at enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety.
The main objective behind this enforcement effort is to raise awareness about traffic laws that safeguard pedestrians and bicyclists while promoting compliance with these laws. PBSO says that their enforcement activities primarily revolve around educating drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding violations committed by individuals involved, warnings or citations may be issued.
Remember:
- Drivers should adhere to speed limits.
- Never drive under the influence.
- Always remain vigilant for pedestrians and bicyclists—especially when approaching intersections.
- Cyclists should follow traffic regulations, ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic and remember to use lights when cycling at night.
- Pedestrians are advised to cross the road at designated crosswalks or intersections, obey pedestrian signals and ensure they are visible to drivers when walking during nighttime.
