Australian cyclist struck, killed in Florida Keys

A section of U.S. 1 through the Florida Keys was closed much of this afternoon after an Australian tourist was struck and killed on a bicycle, authorities said.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the tourist, who was not immediately named, died after getting hit by a car while trying to cross U.S. 1 near mile marker 81 around 1 p.m.

I've always wanted to try to ride to Key West. Maybe it isn't such a good idea after all. I know the shoulder of U.S. is incredibly narrow and dangerous, but people make this trip via bike all the time.

I think I'll wait until the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is finished.

Have any Spoke N Word readers ridden through the Keys?

Comments

[Denise]

I just spent the week of Thanksgiving in the Keys with my bike; the parts of the Heritage Path that are completed are wonderful. Unfortunately, bicylists are required to cross the road repeatedly and most drivers didn't seem to be too aware. Proceed with caution!

[Marrock]

If you read the article you'd have seen she looked the wrong way to check for traffic, after all, she was from Aus and their traffic comes from the side opposite the U.S.

Shoulder width had nothing to do with it, it was just simple bad luck.

[Matt]

I've ridden down there one time, and would never again in the same area. We rode over the 7 mile bridge, and some others. Traffic really flys thru there. Lots of tourists in a hurry. I'd be willing to try more of the northern keys. ie. Card Sound Rd.