A recent surge in bicycle crashes, particularly involving electric bikes, has raised safety concerns in Southwest Florida. The issue has gained attention after a deadly crash in Punta Gorda involving a motorcyclist and an e-bike. As electric bikes gain popularity, the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures becomes increasingly pressing.
Joe Watts, a Punta Gorda resident, recently purchased an e-bike to explore the area and enjoy the outdoors.
"I get around, have fun, hit some trails and do the Florida thing," said Watts.
However, Watts experienced a close call on the same road where the fatal crash occurred.
"There are many times I've almost been in accidents because people just don't pay attention," said Watts.
Watts emphasized the importance of careful riding and the need for improved infrastructure.
"The roads are just, I mean, they scare me," said Watts. "Make some bike lanes for sure. I mean, you get halfway into Port Charlotte, the bike lane is good, but then all of a sudden it just shuts off, and you're in the middle of traffic."
According to Florida Highway Patrol statistics, there were 714 bicycle crashes in Southwest Florida last year, with 16 resulting in fatalities.
Dr. Joseph Lewis, a trauma surgeon at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, has noticed a rise in electric bike-related injuries.
"I think that overall, the number of e-bike accidents is really going up," said Lewis.
He pointed out that many of these accidents involve serious head injuries.
"There's a lower likelihood that you're going to use a helmet as compared with a normal cyclist," said Lewis. "We do see that affiliation, that people are not wearing their helmets with e-bikes, and they are going at an increased rate of speed."
WINK reached out to Charlotte County for improved infrastructure, and they stated that they have an initiative in place to construct more sidewalks. However, doctors say the best road to safety is wearing a helmet if you ride an electric bike.