Alligators—A Worry For Florida Bicyclists?

When a 22 year veteran of the Hollywood Police Department retired, he planned to live out his days doing what he loved. He got a part-time job at Big Wheel Cycles, raced on bikes, and coached local Florida bicyclists and triathletes, but now he is recovering from a strange accident.

After winning a triathlon, the retired policeman decided to dedicate more time to his training and so he joined a Saturday riding group. While out on their weekly ride the group encountered the remains of a two-foot long alligator that had been run over by a car. The group tried to avoid the remains, but several cyclists still slipped on the carcass and fell down. The retired policeman was one of the riders who fell.

How Bad Was The Bicycle Crash?

He is now recovering from facial fractures, several broken ribs, a broken collarbone, and a collapsed lung. However, this is not the first time that he has had to bounce back from injuries. Before his encounter with the alligator, the triathlete had been involved in three separate incidents where cars had run into him and caused him injuries.

“Three car accidents and now an alligator. What are the chances?” asked the man’s wife when interviewed by the Sun Sentinel.

Bicycling in our state can be dangerous: there are many natural hazards to contend with, like sand, weather and animals. Cars should not be one of those contributing dangers. To learn more about the many ways to keep cars from threatening the safety of our Florida bicyclists, check out the Florida Bicycle Association, and keep following the Colson Hicks Eidson blog for more information about staying safe while biking.

Colson Hicks Eidson—Injury Attorneys