Motorcycle maneuver sends St. Petersburg man to hospital

ST. PETERSBURG -- A speeding motorcyclist's failed attempt to squeeze between a moving PSTA bus and a pickup truck left the man hospitalized with serious injuries Tuesday, police said.

Eric Hadley, 42, was driving a 2002 Kawasaki motorcycle east on the 1700 block of 22nd Avenue S when he tried to maneuver between an eastbound PSTA bus in the curb lane and a Dodge pickup truck in the other lane.

Police said Hadley's front tire clipped the back left side of the bus, sending his motorcycle end-over-end before throwing Hadley head first into the side of the pickup truck. Hadley had been wearing a helmet, but police said the helmet appeared to be improperly secured.

Hadley was taken to Bayfront Medical Center, where he was listed in fair condition. The drivers of the bus and pickup truck were not injured.

The investigation continues.

-- Casey Cora, Times staff writer