The family of a woman hit while riding her bicycle along a Bartow recreational trail wants to see some changes made to keep people safer.
Last month, David Bryant's wife was struck by a car at the intersection of U.S. 98 and Ernest Smith Boulevard in Bartow. She was on her bike, riding the Fort Fraser Trail, when she was hit in the crosswalk.
Bryant feels a combination of issues led to the accident. Now he's hoping to get some help from the county to make the crossing safer for everyone.
"Maybe the trail needs to be directed back away from 98, which a lot of people do anyway, or there should be a pedestrian overpass," he said.
As Bryant sees it, the problem is two-fold. Westbound traffic on Ernest Smith Boulevard that turns north onto U.S. 98 is not aware of cyclists on the trail, and many cyclists do not stop at the trail stop sign before the crossing.
Bill Skelton, who is with Polk County Transportation, said the county has partnered with state transportation officials to make the crossing safer.
"We've partnered with the DOT to see if there's any changes that are necessary regarding the turning movements or traffic signs that might help avoid a similar incident," he said.
Skelton says moving the crossing would make the situation more dangerous for cyclists, as traffic is used to stopping at the intersection. Moving the trail crossing to a mid-block location would add an additional stop point, one that traffic is not used to making.
Some residents have also called for a pedestrian and bike bridge over the roadway. Six years ago the county decided to stay with the at-grade crossing for the trail.The cost for an overpass in 2007 was $1.3 million.
County officials encourage all cyclists to dismount before the crossing and walk their bike across Ernest Smith Boulevard.
Check these links for more information on Bike Trails and Bike Safety in Polk County.