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Bicyclist Hit On U.S. 98 Bypass In Critical Condition

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By LISA A. DAVIS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 3, 2007

Updated: 10/03/2007 03:31 pm

DADE CITY - A bicyclist hit by a motor coach this morning was in critical condition hours after being taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, city police said.

Eddie Allen was riding his bike just north of the Jarrett Ford Mercury Lincoln dealership on the U.S. 98 Bypass near Old Lakeland Highway when he was struck by a motor coach, Capt. David Duff said.

Donald White, 60, of Zephyrhills, also was northbound as he approached the bicyclist and noticed the man was weaving as he pedaled.

White, in fact, went out of his way trying to avoid the bicyclist and steered his County Coach slightly across the center line into the southbound lanes, Duff said.

"He was actually moving to the left," Duff said. "Luckily, there wasn't a southbound vehicle."

But without warning, the officer said, Allen, 61, swerved into the motor coach's path.

"He got dumped pretty good," Duff said.

Allen, of Dade City, landed about 20 feet away from where he was hit.

White had slowed down as he was moving away from Allen, Duff said, and was driving slower than the 45 mph speed limit.

"The impact speed was probably 25 mph," he said.

A medical helicopter was called but couldn't fly because of inclement weather, so Allen was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

Duff said Allen is often seen riding his bicycle in the area. What happened today is being investigated, but Duff said White wasn't at fault.

Both lanes of the highway were shut down for about four hours after the 6:30 a.m. crash.

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

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