JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In Jacksonville, a motorcyclist is killed just about every other week.
The city’s motorcycle community is mourning Thursday following the loss of the year’s ninth rider killed in a crash, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s count.
Police say a 35-year-old rider, who hasn’t been named, cut in front of traffic waiting at a light from a turning lane, but hit the median and crashed on Pritchard Road in Northwest Jacksonville at about 5 a.m. Officers said the man wasn’t wearing a helmet.
“We had one member who passed away on a bike and then we had two prospects that also died on motorcycles within about two months of each other,” said a man who goes by “Shadow” and is a member of the Nolo Riders club. “We had a couple friends before and after that as well.”
Losing a fellow rider is a pain Shadow knows, though he isn’t sure yet if he knew the man killed Thursday.
“We try to honor their memory as much as possible,” he said about the riders from his club. “We definitely still talk about them. We definitely still share stories.”
Shadow now helps organize a motorcycle awareness ride every month. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Though it isn’t required by Florida law to wear a helmet if you’re over 21 and have a certain insurance policy, Shadow said you should. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has a free class you can sign up for.
“If you’re a new rider, I strongly encourage you to go to that class,” said Sgt. Robert Hungerford with JSO’s Traffic Homicide Unit. “Wear a helmet and wear protective glasses. Drive within your means, obviously, and wear bright-colored clothing.”
It’s advice that could mean the difference between life and death.
“We here at Nolo Riders just want to express our condolences for the fallen rider and to his family and friends,” said Shadow. “We know it’s tough so if you guys need anything, please reach out.”
First Coast News asked JSO some of the most common mistakes drivers make. They said vehicle drivers often look for other cars and miss smaller motorcycles and motorcyclists often ride above their skill level.