A 12-year-old boy riding a motorbike outside his Patriot Oaks Academy school has died following a collision with a car, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
It happened about 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 475 Longleaf Pine Parkway. It was initially reported that the student was on an electric bike, but the Sheriff’s Office later corrected that stating it was a 99cc gas-powered mini-dirt bike and the boy was wearing a helmet.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but the 17-year-old car driver is cooperating with law enforcement. Based on current evidence, the Sheriff’s Office said no charges have been filed.
“I could see everything in front of my eyes of what happened here.” classmate Sophia Zapata told Times-Union news partner First Coast News. “You know, it was just really hard to watch, since I knew who got hit. It was just really tragic to watch. I can tell you he’s a really nice kid. I talked to him a lot.”
Parents at the school received the following message, according to FCN:
“We appreciate everyone’s care, well wishes, and attention to our school community. As many of you are aware, there was an accident in front of the school at the end of the day. We do not have any additional information to share. We ask that you and your families continue to support one another and remain united as a community.”
The school district also canceled the basketball game versus Trout Creek.
With the growing popularity of e-bikes and scooters and associated traffic accidents, legislation recently advanced in the Florida Legislature (HB 243) that would require e-bike riders to obey a 10-mph speed limit on sidewalks and walkways when within 50 feet of a pedestrian and get a license for e-bikes that can exceed 28 mph, according to a USA TODAY Network story.
The House Transportation Committee unanimously approved the heavily-lobbied bill Jan. 21. A Senate committee approved an identical bill the day before.
(This story has been updated with minor adjustments.)
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 12-year-old motorbike rider dies after crash outside his school
Reporting by Scott Butler, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
