Crash on Palm Beach Blvd. involving bicycle raising safety concerns

A serious crash in downtown Fort Myers has prompted an investigation by the Fort Myers Police Department.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Palm Beach Boulevard and Polk Street late Thursday night and involves a bicycle.

Authorities have not released further details about the crash, but updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

Palm Beach Boulevard is notorious for its dangerous conditions. Crash data reveals that last year alone, there were 241 pedestrian crashes in Lee County, resulting in seven deaths. This information comes from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Efforts are underway to enhance safety on Palm Beach Boulevard. In June, the city added delineators at Palm Beach Boulevard and Seaboard Avenue.

Additionally, in October, the Florida Department of Transportation announced plans to construct six new pedestrian hybrid beacons along Palm Beach Boulevard, from Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard to Kingston Drive.

Residents in the area expressed a strong need for these safety beacons.

The pedestrian safety beacons are scheduled for activation later this year after testing and final approvals, according to FDOT. The project will also include road resurfacing, new signage, pavement markings, and updated pedestrian crosswalk systems.

WINK News will continue to reach out to FDOT to determine when the remaining beacons will be installed.

Stay tuned to WINKNews.com, WINK News App, streaming, and on-air for any new developments on this story.