“Broke Into Our Lane and Dragged Everyone”- Cyclist Who Survived the Collision at Gulf Stream Among the Group Shares Harrowing Tale of the Fateful Encounter

What began as a familiar journey in the wake of the day swiftly transformed into a harrowing ordeal. Jordana Lyra, accompanied by her best friends, was spending quality time while taking a cycling ride through SR A1A in the Gulf Stream. December 4, Thursday, turned out to be fatal for the group of cyclists when a KIA Soul collided with them. 

Among the group of eight cyclists, one succumbed to two injuries and the rest have been admitted to the hospital. Within the group of the injured, Jordana Lyra has been released and is on the path of her recovery as she shared details from the tragedy.

Survivor from a cycling group revisits how a car ran into them from an opposite lane

A typical northbound cycling ride quickly spiraled into chaos, when the car traveling south shattered their peaceful journey near the 2800 block of North Ocean Boulevard. Lyra gave WPBF a glimpse of how the mishap transpired.“We were going north, and suddenly, a car that was coming the opposite way broke into our lane and dragged everyone. My friend who was in the front hit the windshield of the car, and I managed to deviate to the left, but I got scratched”, she said. Identified as a 77-year-old woman from Lantana, with the cyclists the driver had to be rushed to the hospital. Lyra only had a big cut on her leg, bruises, and an injured arm and is now recovering from her home. 

Even though the cyclist had been lucky enough to surpass critical trauma, her thoughts were consumed by the concern for her cycling companions. During the interview, Lyra raised a poignant call and advocated for more bike lanes along the A1A to enhance the safety of cyclists.

Cyclist’s call for awareness

A scenic route frequented by cyclists, A1A presents a precarious scenario for two-wheelers sharing the road with four-wheelers. With its two-lane layout that lacks a hard shoulder has imposed a 35mph speed limit. Hence, cyclists become susceptible to vehicle collisions, making it a hazardous stretch for them. 

Read More: Tragedy Unfolds in Gulf Stream as Car Collides With a Group of Cyclists, Sending 8 to the Hospital

Even though the cause behind the collision remains disclosed, the collective voice of cyclists demands slower driving around them. Lyra’s plea thus extended beyond her personal experience, as she had called upon the state of Florida demanding the protection of cyclists. The cyclist’s appeal echoed the necessity for protective infrastructure that echoed the sentiment of other riders.

The loss of a cyclist’s life backed up by critical injuries for others serves as a rallying cry for enhanced protection for two-wheelers. Lyra’s heartfelt plea served as a beacon for change as she urged authorities to cultivate a safer environment for cyclists.

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