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A 67-year-old Lakeland man died Thursday morning after his bicycle collided with a van on U.S. Highway 98 North, police said.
The crash happened around 10 a.m. on a seven-lane stretch of U.S. 98 near Pyramid Parkway, just south of Interstate 4.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Lakeland Police Department, a Ford E-150 van driven by Jorge Reyes Jr., 33, of Mulberry, was traveling south in the center lane of U.S. 98. At the same time, the bicyclist was riding south in the outside lane.
For reasons that remain under investigation, the bicyclist moved into the center lane and into the van’s path. The two collided.
The driver stopped and remained at the scene. He was not injured.
Officers from the Lakeland Police Department, Polk County Fire Rescue and the Lakeland Fire Department provided emergency medical care before the cyclist was taken to Lakeland Regional Health. He later died from his injuries.
Police have not released the man’s name while they notify family members.
The crash shut down the southbound lanes of U.S. 98 near Pyramid Parkway and the I-4 Exit 32 ramp onto U.S. 98 for about an hour while officers investigated and redirected traffic. The roadway reopened shortly before 11 a.m., police said.
U.S. 98 North has been the site of multiple fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. A LkldNow analysis of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths between 2018 and 2024 found the corridor was tied for the deadliest road in Lakeland for those types of crashes.
Bike safety has also been a recurring concern for city officials and local riders. While Lakeland has built popular recreational trails and park paths, cyclists have said riding on city streets for transportation can still feel dangerous.
The crash remains under investigation by Lakeland Police traffic homicide investigators. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigating officer Emily Suttle at Emily.Suttle@Lakelandgov.net
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