Early Morning Crash Critically Injures Two. Should Bike Herds Be Banned?
BY: 24/7 CRIME DESK | BocaNewsNow.com
DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Thursday early morning crash that left several bicyclists critically injured after they were hit by the driver of an SUV on A1A continues to be investigated — as it raises new questions about whether bicyclists belong on area roads.
Often a nuisance to drivers as they ride in packs, Florida law does permit these bicyclists to use a roadway when no bike lane exists. But these bike herds rarely ride at the speed of traffic. They often seem to lack any awareness that in a bike-versus-car collision, the car almost always wins.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports there were 670 bicycle crashes in Palm Beach County during 2023. Eleven of those crashes were fatal.
This is the statement issued by Delray Beach Fire Rescue regarding the incident that required at least one bicyclist to be airlifted to Delray Medical Center: “2800 block of N. Ocean Blvd. in Gulf Stream. At 6:45 a.m., Delray Beach Fire Rescue responded to a crash involving an SUV and a group of bicyclists. The vehicle driver and six cyclists were transported by DBFR. Three cyclists are trauma alerts. Road closure” At least two remain in critical condition Saturday morning.
Now we ask you, our readers: should packs of bicyclists be permitted on area roads? Should they be permitted to interfere with traffic? Are there times of day where bike herds should be outright banned, or conversely, are there times of day where you believe it would be okay for bicyclists to ride on area roads? And this question: does anyone really believe that tight, brightly colored spandex offers any additional safety for these people at all?
Bike deaths happen all the time in South Florida. Is it time for lawmakers to institute new rules and regulations in an effort to help these people who many believe just can’t help themselves? Share your thoughts, below.
How are you seriously going to publish an article like this. This is blasphemy. This will only cause more hatred between people in this world. This is outrageous that you publish articles like this.
I think they should. They don’t respect people driving, they don’t go in their bike Lanes
drivers and pedestrians like being in bike lanes…
they can have them
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1zwmfIRd-W/?igsh=MXZ5bjVwa25hNXhvMQ==
The roads would be much safer with protected dedicated bike lanes, like those in some European countries. There are a few bike friendly cities, such as Seattle, that have protective barriers on bike lanes in the city. Boca Raton is considering these same protections, which would make cyclists safer. It’s a shame that some automobile drivers consider cyclists a nuisance, rather than respecting us for getting out and enjoying our passion. I ride every day on A1A, and every day I encounter aggressive and disrespectful drivers. Bicyclists have the same legal rights to the roads in the state of Florida as automobiles, yet most automobile drivers are uniformed as to this state law. Please show us the respect, consideration and safety that we deserve.
The article is regarding a driver DRIVING ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD!!!. And yet you stupidly blame the cyclists. Disgiusting.
The driver in this case plowed into oncoming traffic. The traffic happened to bicycles but could have been other cars or trucks. Why isn’t the question in this article why Florida allows such dangerous drivers to have drivers licenses at all?
True!! This car clearly crossed the road and hit the cyclists who were lawfully riding two abreast.
Cyclist accidents are not caused by cyclist. Distracted impatient motorist cause accidents. Bike lanes minimize accidents. For those who want cyclist off the roads please support funding for bike lanes and trails. Banning cyclist without providing alternatives is not the answer
Unless there are traffic studies in certain areas, there is not enough data to make good decisions. When groups of bicycles are in a road, there needs to be safety rules like single file with enough braking space between each bicycle. A lot of A1A traffic is tourists looking at the beach – maybe slower MPH so better for all – cars, bicyclists, pedestrians. Are these bicyclists older and not able to react well in traffic? Good data at accident scenes may give all of understanding of what rules need to be in place for all – car drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
absolutely false…. every day i witness cyclists traveling along busy roadways and ignoring all traffic rules, particularly crossing the street on when the light is red and pedestrian crossing has a BIG RED HAND…..travel on St Andrews Blvd.
This is an article written by an idiot. I have been riding on the road for more than five decades, and trust me, I know very well that my life is in peril every time a car comes near. I also know that while I respect cars and drivers (I also drive) many drivers do not respect cyclists. I have been hit, run off the road, had things thrown at me … and having curses shouted at me happens so often I don’t even notice any more.
Let me point out that I pay for our roads with my taxes, and I have the right to use those roads. Taking away my rights because other people are not able to drive sensibly is to overlook the real issue—some people cannot drive sensibly. Look how many auto accidents there are—nothing to do with bikes, some drivers just don’t respect how deadly cars can be.
Distracted driving, impaired driving … I have seen a car stopped at a four-way stop sign for about four minutes while the driver stared at her phone. Add to this the entitled attitude that “roads are for cars” which some drivers have, and it is easy to see where the actual problems lie.
As a cyclist, all I ask is that you give me about thee feet of the road I pay for, and maybe slow down for thirty seconds if oncoming traffic won’t let you pass immediately. Considering most drivers are sitting on couches is climate-controlled environments, listening to their favorite music or radio station and sipping their favorite beverages, almost as if they were in their living rooms, asking them to sit an extra 30 seconds to save a life doesn’t seem too extravagant.
I have seen a huge improvement in driver attitude int he last 20 or 25 years, since “Share the Road ” programs started, and more bike lanes have been added. I thank every driver who has deferred to me when I have the right of way, who has chosen Not to squeeze me of the road or tried to overtake on a on a blind corner. I applaud every driver who has waited for a n opening in traffic and then driven past me normally … just wait until you can pass and pass me, just as if I were a pedestrian or another car. it is just basic driving.
Still there are some drivers who seem to think the roads are made for cars, and everyone else should stay home … thing is, those are usually the drivers who will yell at other cars for going too fast, too slow, not moving over, whatever … sad to say some people are not very good citizens, and not very well socialized … they have yet to realize that we are All humans, we all have value, and we all need to be honest with and compassionate toward one another.
The answer is not more restrictions. The answer, which I do not know how to realize, is for people to stop being selfish jerks. Driving on the road, maneuvering through the aisles at a supermarket, maneuvering through life in general, is not too hard, except when one runs across the selfish, immature, entitled people who truly think they are the only people who matter.
The problem isn’t bikes or riders or cars or drivers. it is the attitude which the writer expresses …. anything which even minorly inconveniences that person should be outlawed.
The person writing the article, and his ilk, are the problem. The rest of us are getting along fine.
Totally agree! The author of this article is a truly FOUL human. To write this article, given what actually happened in this incident, with the attitude they have is beyond appalling and disgusting. People are fighting for their life, who were simply legally riding a bike, when a vehicle crossed a double yellow into oncoming traffic. How does an article like this see the light of day. Shame on Boca News Now, absolutely awful.
What type of person would suggest banning bicycles from the public roads. How about educating drivers that cyclists have the same right to use the road as motorists.
Enforce laws that protect cyclists and lock up people that are driving dangerously. This recent driver was on the wrong side of the street!
Make these cities bike friendly, with dedicated bike lanes
If police would ticket drivers on cell phones they could significantly make the roads safer for everyone and generate a significant amount of revenue.
Please include vehicle/bicycle crash statistics for the areas that you’re referencing. Otherwise, your survey results will be overly influenced by headline bias.
As formerly frequent, now occasional, road cyclist, I take offence at this ridiculous and inflammatory rhetoric used in this article. I understand you are trying to push more traffic to this site, but publishing this nonsense should really be beneath you.
Addressing the subject, cyclists know well about the risk involved in riding on all local roads. Drivers of motor vehicles are in a rush to get somewhere and regard road speed limits as minimums instead of maximums. Drivers are also usually engaged in other activities beside paying attention to situational awareness and rules of the road. Cyclists know this all too well and have to take passive and active measures for our own safety. Cyclists have to ‘take the lane’ (moving into right third or middle of lane) to increase visibility and driver awareness of our presence. We have to ride in groups, pelotons, to aid in awareness and help (witness, first aid) in case of an accident. We buy expensive safety gear and cameras to stay visible, safe, and capture video of reckless drivers (unfortunately, police rarely act when given video of bad drivers).
Instead of writing articles calling for banning of cyclist on roadway, how about writing articles calling for laws protecting cyclists (and other human powered vehicles) that are permitted to use the roads? How about laws demanding police actually investigate accidents involving motor vehicles vs cyclists, instead of instantly blaming the cyclist? How about laws demanding police protect cyclists use of roadways instead of harassment? How about laws requiring cities, towns, villages, communities, places like Gulfstream, to build safe bike lanes and enforce driver safety when cyclists are present?
100% agree. Drivers are at fault and there’s no rush when people’s lives are at stake. How can an SUV not see all those cyclists, ridiculous and unsafe.
Who ever wrote this article must be stupid the car hit the bicyclist head on crossing over into their lane. Also the driver was old in their 70’s. I thought all you Democrats supporting Biden and worried about climate change would appreciate people using not polluting vehicles.. Slow the Fu.k down and pay attention to your surroundings or go back home to New York New Jersey….etc..
I came her for the comments and this one wins 🤣
Cyclists are keenly aware of potential dangerous interactions with vehicles on roads. Drivers on phones, texting, inebriated, distracted etc are a constant threat. Bike lanes are cluttered with glass, debris, gravel and often unsafe as they are not cleaned or maintained. Large groups of cyclists are easy to see and yes, may delay drivers momentarily. It is much safer for cyclists to “take a lane” than ride on the line trying to avoid debris. So called “herds” of cyclists are not fair game for motorists but should be treated with courtesy and kindness as any other road user. They are not targets!! And yes, cyclists need to be mindful respectful and courteous of drivers. Always. Let’s work together and work toward coexistence not incite hatred like this horrible article!!
Has it been determined if the driver suffered from a medical condition? Certainly there are many people over 70 who are safe and considerate drivers.
Should cars be banned on A1A? Your headline is inflammatory. An idiot hits a group of cyclists, so you ask if cyclists should be banned? How about punishing bad drivers? The presumption should be that the car driver should yield to cyclists, and are generally responsible unless the cyclists are doing something wrong. How will this driver be treated? Will they be punished for their bad behavior? I’m guessing they will not, just like the driver that killed a cyclist in Davie got away with it. The author is too auto-centric. Be considerate of all: cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Try to be enlightened like they are in Holland or other developed countries.
Agreed. I worry every time my husband is cycling out there , some idiots turn in front of cyclists . Far more jerk motorists than cyclists, by far!
What an embarrassingly, poorly written article. Does the paper have any real reporters writing? Simply a one sided opinion piece, without any modicum of objective discourse and absent of any facts. How did the accident occur? Where did it occur? Who was at fault? Were the driver or riders impaired or drunk? Was speeding involved? Was lack of visibility an issue? This is a one sided article, encouraging people to think that bicycles are the danger, yet is devoid of any facts or details. What rubbish.
It’s not bad drivers it’s entitled bikers that don’t share the road on A1A. They road is meant for cars first. Sick of driving 5 miles per hour waiting for the bikers to move to the side of the road
South Florida is too auto-centric. Also, Holland is not a country; it is a region of The Netherlands, which is a country generally with more transportation options and climate permitting. Apples to oranges.
I moved here from Broward in ’78. Bikes on A1A were a problem back then, also. I assumed that since the beach is an attraction, the road would eventually be widened for dedicated bike lanes. Not so far.
The tone of your article is insulting and irresponsible to say the least! In this particular case a 77 yr old driver crossing over the double yellow, into the cyclists head on and continuing for a stretch likely was not texting and driving but more likely victim herself of a medical incident rendering her incapable of maintaining control. Video of the cyclists clearly shows typical safety measures in effect – headlights, colored jerseys. The road at this location in Gulfstream does not have shoulders no less bike lanes (though probably wouldn’t have lessened the effect of this incident) proven to add to cycling safety. Look into the history of Gulfstream’s opposition to FDOT providing bike lanes (along with Ocean Ridge and Manalapan and some of the residents on the east side of SR A1A) to see where some of the real problems lie re: road safety. The least you could have said, as you seem to want to voice an opinion,
was that the injuries and effects on the families of those injured was sad and sorry.
If unsafe for bicyclists, why are they riding there? Just wondering.
There’s so many things wrong with this article. Who’s the editor? I find it rather crude and uncouth to be posing these types of questions so shortly after the accident. It’s very disrespectful to the injured. Do you ask readers similar questions after a woman is raped? Maybe if she wasn’t walking down the street by herself it wouldn’t have happened? Should we ban women walking down the street a night? She shouldn’t be wearing those clothes.
Cars should be banned, not bikes
Headline definitely catches your attention. As a driver, almost makes me feel like a victim. I think it takes a ton of courage to cycle around in this area given the quality of drivers. Vehicles traveling well above speed limits and drivers with one hand on the wheel and one hand on their cell phone are normal occurrences. As a driver, if you are stopped at a red traffic light, you have to wait a few seconds after the light turns green, to avoid getting T-Boned from vehicles that want to avoid a long traffic light. What’s going to be next week’s headline? Cyclists on walking paths? Do you want to ban walkers next?
I lived on the beach most of my life. It is fun when you are walking A1A to see a huge pack of bicycles go by on beautiful bicycles with cool colorful outfits but it is very difficult for any driver to drive a car and safely navigate around a bike pack. I avoided driving a car on A1A because of the bicycles. If I was to vote, I would vote certain hours bicycles be allowed to ride in packs similar to the way dog beaches have limited hours.
I personally find the bikers so entitled with their space on a road for cars. The bike on herds often taking up the whole lane on A1A while we drive 5 miles an hour behind them waiting for them to decide to move over. I’m incredibly frustrated by them and think something needs to change. I drive on A1A and this an every day occurrence. No regard for the cars around them that could potentially seriously hurt them. Im sick of.
Yes. We are citizens, just like the automobile drivers. Did this driver run into the backs of the cyclists? From what I gather, the driver hit on-coming traffic. Why not ban irresponsible drivers?
Or better yet, let’s ban irresponsible journalists, and this was written by one.
I really get a kick out of seeing these bicycle riders, two abreast, wearing their aerodynamic sissy looking outfits and helmets with rear view mirrors, bent over the steering wheel with a tiny little seat up their asses, doing 10 miles an hour, as if they are trying out for the Tour de France! Go ride somewhere you’re not Interfering with motorized vehicles!
Stop trying to turn Florida into New York City. And stop with knee jerk reactions with trying to pass new laws and regulations everytime something happens.
How many of your respondents are “snow birds” and/or visitors, who do not live here 12 months and have to deal with folks who love to make rules they like….Its another sad state of this state. These roads need to accommodate both! Have cyclists gotten together to request the city/and or state insist that bike lanes be installed on ALL roads??? Its really what is needed and then we can find something else, less hazardless to disagree on…….
I have nothing againts bicycle riders, but bike packs should be limited to no more than 10 riders. I used to get A1A to get to my job and many times I had to drive 5 mph when I encountered bike packs of 30 or more. Many times you can’t use the opposite traffic lane due to heavy traffic so you’re stuck. I don’t think bike packs are safe to bikers and drivers.
Banning bicycles on roadways is definitely not the answer. Vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, etc all have the right to be on the road, the question is how do they coexist? Here are some recommendations:
1. Build the right infrastructure on the roads that provides the safety and means for proper use. That translates to bike lanes, proper signage, road markings, road shoulders, etc.
2. Enforce the laws, punishment should be severe for serious infractions. Hold people accountable for their mistakes. If a cyclist breaks the law, give him a ticket, make them pay. Similarly, if a vehicle breaks the law, fine the driver. The higher the penalties the less likely people will repeat their mistakes. Cops must help maintain the law by enforcing it. Funds from the enforcement should be reinvested in infrastructure and policing.
3. Increase motorist, cyclist, motorcycle awareness and education. Include mandatory education materials in driver license requirements. Want a drivers license? You must show understanding and proficiency in these subjects.
4. Enhance technology to improve road safety. Cars are getting better and better with technology, cell phones must include ways to enhance safety, equip bicycles with devices that protect the rider, i.e. radar, lighting, etc all longer term but necessary and ongoing.
Accidents will happen, that is inevitable. However, we cannot be losing our friends and loved ones every few months, because of bad drivers, improper infrastructure, and ignorance, that’s ludicrous.
All it takes is some decency, respect, and humanity for each other. What this article is proposing is absolutely far from that, and maybe it is the attitude that is contributing to this situation.
I lived in Gulf Stream for almost 20 years and can 100% say the cyclists are 50% of the problem. As others have mentioned, there are HUGE herds of cyclists on A1A every weekend. The law says to ride 2 abreast yet you will see them riding across the entire lane of traffic where no cars can get through. If cyclists want to share the road then they need to be courteous, as well. I can’t tell you how many times I have been blocked by large herds & watched the riders acting like they are training for the Tour de France & their workout takes priority over what I need to do. It’s really infuriating to have the cyclist not do their part & then whine when motorists get angry & frustrated. Everyone knows that stretch through Gulf Stream has no bike lanes yet the herds blow through there blocking the ENTIRE lane by riding 5-6 abreast.
For those cyclists that follow the rules, I am sorry for the rude & dangerous drivers that make your relaxing ride a scary experience. I would also beg you, however, to realize that the large groups of riders are causing a huge problem & responsible cyclists need to help police their own. 25MPH feels very fast on a bike but it’s frustratingly slow to the cars following you. If everyone would follow the rules we would all be a lot safer.
For the record, I rode my bike on that same stretch of road several times & decided it just wasn’t worth the risk.
Or maybe the speed limit should be reduced to 25 mph just to make the road safer for everyone, including other drivers who if circumstances were different here could have been involved in a deadly head-on when this driver crossed the centerline. Humans are very adaptable animals; 25 mph won’t seem nearly so infuriating when you get used to drive 25 mph. It might even make you feel safe enough to take your bike out of storage and ride it to improve your health before the next new and deadly virus appears.
AND I ASK: Is It Time To Ban 77-year old people from Major Roads In Delray Beach, Boca Raton? Did you even research the facts of this particular accident? This elderly and inept woman could have hit another oncoming car and this would have resulted in deaths too.
Up and down A1A there are bike lanes, accept for Gulfstream which I understand has refused to install them. I ride A1A 3 – 4 times a week, but I do not ride north of George Bush Blvd because there are no bike lanes. Bile lanes would not have prevented this particular accident, but generally they do provide a safer opportunity to share the road, the question remains, why won’t Gulfstream in stall them. The other fact is that two objects cannot occupy the same space, so bikers need to stay in bike lanes, which many pack riders don’t giving us all a bad reputation, and cars need to be cautious when crossing them turning g into driveways and intersections. Both bicyclists and cars need to respect the other and stay in their own lanes.
I live less than 100 yards from the accident site on North Ocean. I have nearly hit a speeding cyclist as I crawl at 5 mph out of my driveway. I look in both directions several times, but a rider going south on that curve going full speed is lucky to be missed. Many construction trucks also park and infringe enough on AIA in Gulf Stream to create another road share problem for both cyclists and drivers. Residents try to be aware at all times, but in season, we have seen just about everything crazy that is possible to imagine.
I am also wary of the large vehicles coming at me on A1A, aggressively swinging into my lane to pass cyclists. Cars using excessive speed to pass and challenging oncoming traffic to avoid cyclists are as big a threat as an offending cyclist.
Delray, Gulf Stream and Ocean Ridge were never developed for anything other than cars. Many areas in Delray east of the inter coastal, other than Atlantic Ave. and the public beach never had sidewalks. This is still true today for many of those communities. The lack of land to expand roads is a problem. Sewer, gas, waterlines, power lines are all buried at the side of the road
Everyone wants the quiet village atmosphere, but development has pushed that envelope for years.
As most others, I would like to know the cause of the accident. I do know if you don’t follow the curve of the road going south at that point, for what ever reason, you will be in the northbound lane, period.
Safe travels to all of us, especially this time of year.
You ask this question after the collision was caused by a killer driving their vehicle at high speed on the wrong side of the highway?
I suggest that people be banned from driving motor vehicles on the wrong side of the road.
Why do you find logic so difficult? Is the author of this piece lobotomised?
We love all the aggressive bikers who believe they own the road, that they know facts the police do not know, and that there is an assumption that bicyclists did nothing wrong. The investigation continues. Just wait.
One of the cyclists jumped out from the bike right in front of me. I beeped because there were cars coming in the opposite direction & cyclists on that side of the road. I couldn’t just go into oncoming traffic. Yet this asshole followed me all the way to the parking lot to yell at me! They do ride recklessly in groups and go so fast they almost knocked over an elderly man trying to cross the street. And yes, he was at the crosswalk with the light. They need to find somewhere else to race. Maybe a racetrack because that’s what they need. There is not enough room on A1A for them to race. They are not simply riding their bicycles, they are racing.