BRADENTON, Fla. — A cyclist was struck and killed by a car while riding in a designated bike lane on May 16 at approximately 4:30 a.m.
According to State Troopers, 48-year-old Craig Prather was riding on 53rd Avenue West near 66th Street West when a BMW entered the bike lane and collided with him. Prather died at the scene.
The incident has shocked the local cycling community. “He did everything right,” said Robert DeSantis, a long-time friend and cycling coach. DeSantis emphasized that Prather was safety-conscious and frequently rode that route.
Witnesses reported that the road conditions were clear at the time of the crash. DeSantis noted that a video taken by a friend showed ample visibility at 4:30 a.m.
Friends remembered Prather as a joyful cyclist who had recently recovered from a cardiac arrest while biking last December. Bystanders and firefighters assisted him during that earlier incident, which left him eager to return to cycling.
Authorities stated the crash is under investigation, and it remains unclear if any charges will be filed against the driver.