Deputy Strikes Cyclist During Spring Break ‘Ride Out’ in Florida
A Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy hit a young cyclist with his unmarked vehicle during a spring break “ride out” event in Deerfield Beach, Florida, on Monday afternoon. The incident, which was captured on video, occurred as law enforcement responded to reports of juveniles performing dangerous stunts and disrupting traffic on Hillsboro Boulevard.
The social media-organized event drew groups of young cyclists who were reportedly running red lights and blocking intersections. As the deputy attempted to maneuver around the cyclists, his SUV made contact with the back wheel of one bicycle, causing the rider to fall.
Following the collision, the deputy detained the teen by tackling him to the ground after he tried to flee. The cyclist was handcuffed and taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure before being released to his family with a juvenile civil citation.
“What happened Monday was part of an ongoing organized pattern of reckless behavior by groups of juvenile bicyclists that encourage and reward dangerous stunts and activities on busy South Florida roads,” stated the Broward Sheriff’s Office in response to the incident.
The deputy involved is not currently facing an investigation. Other cyclists participating in the event were issued citations for various violations, including disobeying traffic signals and not wearing helmets.
This incident highlights growing concerns about public safety when large groups of cyclists engage in risky behavior on busy roads. Local authorities continue to grapple with the challenge of balancing public safety with the rights of cyclists, particularly during organized events that can lead to traffic disruptions and potential accidents.
As spring break activities wind down, law enforcement agencies in South Florida remain vigilant, urging both motorists and cyclists to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.
