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Bicyclist Hit By RV On U.S. 98 Bypass

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By LISA A. DAVIS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 4, 2007

DADE CITY - A bicyclist hit by a motorhome Wednesday 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 the incident happened, 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 Country 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, Allen, 61, swerved into the motorhome's path, Duff said.

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

White had slowed as he was passing Allen, Duff said, and was well below the 45 mph posted speed limit.

'The impact speed was probably 25 mph,' Duff said.

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

Duff said Allen has been seen often riding his bicycle in the area.

What happened Wednesday is being investigated, but Duff said White wasn't at fault.

Both directions 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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