Community rallies to help Port Charlotte bicyclist hit by car

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. A terrible crash sent a well-known man in the community to the hospital and destroyed his prized orange bike.

Theo, who is affectionately known as “Bike Man,” was struck by a vehicle Tuesday night on U.S. 41 near Guard Street. He was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in serious condition.

When word about the crash spread throughout the community, Sun Guard Window Tinting offered to build Theo another bike.

“Occasionally, he wants used or leftover equipment to build something out of and he’s always so proud of it that you feel bad,” said Sun Guard manager Ryan Pflaum. “You want to give him something new.”

The Florida Highway Patrol hasn’t released any details about the crash.