Bertram Ralph, a long-time resident of Braddock Lane in Palm Coast, was cycling along Belle Terre Parkway early this morning, not far from his home, when he was struck by a car as he crossed Pine Lakes Parkway. He was evacuated by air in critical condition, to Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach.
Ralph, 78, was cycling north on the west side of Belle Terre–on the walkway–when he was crossing Pine Lakes. Renee Kuprunas, 52, of Palm Coast, was driving a 1995 Mercury Sable, also going north on Belle Terre, when she attempted to make a left turn onto Pine Lakes at the very wide intersection. She did not see Ralph, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report, and collided with him, throwing him from his bike with the left-front end of the Sable, causing some $1,000 in damages.
The wreck took place at 6:20, about half an hour before sunrise.
Ralph was not wearing a helmet. Neither he nor Kuprunas were under the influence of alcohol, the report states. Volusia County’s Air One took him to Halifax (Flagler County’s Fire Flight was not to be in service until 8 a.m.)
A 73-year-old cyclist was struck and critically injured on Belle Terre Parkway, at Pine Grove Drive, on Oct. 22. A younger cyclist was struck on Belle Terre and Point Pleasant last week, but that collision was not as serious. And numerous motorcyclists have been injured or killed this year on Flagler roads.
Patricia says
how sad that this man was hit riding his bike! My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. Just last week a bunnell police officer in his patrol car ran a stop sign and hit another car, durning the morning commute for many small children to Bunnell Elementary school, thank god it was not a child on a bicycle like it was in this case. We all need to pay more attention while driving
Steve Wood says
This is another instance of car driver not paying attention in looking for bikes or even motorcycles. I have seen one after another bike riders ignore stop signs and not follow the laws of riding bicycles that they are suppose to follow. Bike riders do not have the right of way as they might think they do so it is the responsibility of both drivers to be aware of there surroundings and use your head in ether case.
Anonymous says
Thanks, Steve.
As you said-“BOTH” operators need to be diligent.
I have a question re: sidewalk/intersection laws/rules.
In a lot of situations around Flagler County the landscaping adjacent to a collision course between an auto and a bike/pedestrian is the ‘culprit’.
I had a thought the other day: Paint “STOP” on every sidewalk where it intersects with a street or road. I’m not advocating for this to be done everywhere-just where the hedges obscure an imminent disaster.
I am so sick of excuses! YOU PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT I AM OUT THERE ALSO AND I WILL TAKE GREAT OFFENSE IF YOU STRIKE ME IN OR OUT OF MY VEHICLE!!
And yes, I’m aware that this problem won’t simply disappear, but we need to ALL be aware of each other-from the little people at school pick-ups to the not-so-little people on bicycles and motorcycles.
And no, I’m not through bitching!
Gia says
Just a minute!….Using a bicycle in any walkway there is nothing wrong but you must also respect the Stop sign. Evidently these cyclists probably did not. They would not have been struck otherwise.
Charlie Ericksen, Jr says
I believe Florida State law requires a vehicle, to stop, when a pedestrian or biker is in the crossing lane. From my experience, this is the exception rather than the rule.
Justin says
Please watch out for bike riders, people can wait two seconds to look both ways before crossing an Intersection.
Deep South says
They need to eliminate red light right turns. Being a bicyclist and a person who enjoys to walk, I see so many motorist who do not come to a full stop and look before they make a right turn. Perhaps a change in the law and a red light camera will better protect bicyclist and pedestrians.
PJ says
That’s why they make bike paths. Bikes are no match to a car.
I wish him a speedy recovery.
Lonewolf says
Does ANYONE think BelleTerre is a really good place to ride your bike, esp. w/o a helmet?
Jeannie says
Is there a stop sign on the bike path there? Maybe the bike had the right of way. I know some of the intersecting roads and bike paths on Old Kings Rd, the biker has the right of way and the car will pull up over the crosswalk and never look both ways.
Ken Dodge says
Was the biker even visible to the left-turning motorist? The vehicle’s headlights would not have picked him up in time as they are aimed to the right. What color were the bicyclist’s clothing? While bicycles are required to have lights and reflectors front and rear, what about the sides. Had the victim been a pedestrian, would the outcome have been any different? Lots of questions, not many answers.
w.ryan says
Unbelievable!!! Cars must give way!!! No exception. Cars are too dangerous an instrument to NOT follow this rule of law!
K. Richardson says
This sounds VERY similar to an accident I witnessed at Royal Palms and Bell terre last night, I haven’t heard how that man was, but he to had no helmet, and looked to have severe head trauma. PLEASE PEOPLE LOOK TWICE, These are our FAMILY members out there!
K. Richardson says
ALL motorcycles have running lights as well as reflectors. It wouldn’t matter if the cars headlights picked him up. Also it doesn’t matter “what color clothes he had on”… C-mon REALLY? PAY ATTENTION!!!
OOPS… CYCLING, Still watch out!