FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A bicyclist has died after being struck by a vehicle Thursday morning in Fort Lauderdale, police confirmed.
According to authorities, the crash was reported just before 7:30 a.m. in the 400 block of Southwest Seventh Avenue. Signs posted along the bridge let drivers know that bicycles share the roadway.
Police said the man was struck by a white car that first continued to travel over the bridge, but then turned around and returned to the scene of the crash.
The victim, who police identified as William “Bill” Wedzik, 56, was pronounced dead at the scene by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.
Carolyn Larke, a friend of Wedzik, told Local 10 News that she was heartbroken after hearing about the incident.
“He’s just a good guy,” she said. “He was going to work.”
Police confirmed the white car was eventually towed away from the crime scene as traffic homicide detectives continued to investigate the circumstances leading up to the crash.
The crash has left many wondering why there are signs posted in the area after they claim that most drivers don’t follow them.
“They shouldn’t even exist in this city,” said Larke. “There’s no possibility that’s a safe option.”
She added that the incident has rocked the cycling community in Fort Lauderdale.
“He was just trying to save some money by riding a bike,” Larke said. “(It’s) a terrible loss for my group of friends.”
The Seventh Avenue bridge was in the down position during the investigation but has since reopened.
It’s unclear whether the driver will face charges or be cited.