Bicyclist killed in crash along Plantation Gardens Drive in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) —  A bicyclist is dead after being hit by a vehicle in a Fort Myers neighborhood Saturday afternoon.

According to Fort Myers Police, the crash happened just after 12:30 p.m. along Plantation Gardens Drive near Commerce Lakes Drive in Gateway. The bicyclist died at the scene. Police say the driver stayed on scene.

Investigators have not released the identity of the victim or said what led up to the crash.

Neighbors in the area describe Plantation Gardens Drive as a commonly traveled route for both drivers and cyclists, but said speeding is an ongoing concern.

“I cut through there to get out of all the traffic coming down Daniels,” said Lori Yarberry, who commutes through the area. “There’s times where people won’t even leave a hair between your bumpers because they’re in such a hurry.”

Yarberry says drivers often exceed the speed limit.

“If you stand there and watch people, people will speed through there. Nobody goes the speed limit,” she said.

For cyclists, that can make navigating the area dangerous.

Bernard Lally, who regularly bikes through the neighborhood with a group, said the intersection near Plantation Gardens Drive is particularly challenging.

“Trying to cross that intersection of Commerce and Plantation is a nightmare, even under the best of circumstances,” Lally said.

He says his group takes precautions, including riding in single file and wearing bright clothing, but worries about those riding alone.

“Biking by yourself… with people who drive very, very fast… it’s just too dangerous,” he said.

Lally says he was shocked to learn someone was killed on a route he often rides.

“I could not believe it,” he said. “Please let us all be careful, and please just watch out for each other.”

The crash remains under investigation.