A 40-year-old Sun City Center man was killed early Monday morning, October 12, after being struck by an SUV while riding his bicycle along U.S. 41 in northern Manatee County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:05 a.m. north of Buckeye Road and involved a 2017 Ford Explorer driven by a 23-year-old Ruskin man.
According to FHP, both the SUV and bicyclist were traveling southbound on U.S. 41. The Ford Explorer was traveling in the right southbound lane when the driver began moving into a continuous right-turn lane, crossing a designated bicycle lane separating the two travel areas.
As the SUV crossed the bicycle lane, its front struck the bicyclist. The 40-year-old man sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The SUV driver was not injured.
Florida law requires motorists to ensure that lane changes and changes in direction can be completed safely. Drivers crossing designated bicycle lanes must remain alert for cyclists traveling alongside traffic, particularly when entering turning lanes.
The Florida Highway Patrol has not announced whether any traffic violations contributed to the collision. No citations or charges were identified in the initial report.
The bicyclist’s identity has not been released, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
The fatal collision highlights the importance of roadway awareness for motorists and bicyclists, particularly during early morning hours when visibility may be limited.
The investigation remains ongoing under FHP case number FHP26ON0478117.