Bicyclist, 73, flown to hospital following crash in Cape Coral

Reporter: Justin Kase Writer: Melissa Montoya
Published: Updated:
A bicyclist was seriously injured in a morning crash in Cape Coral. (CREDIT: WINK News)

A 73-year-old bicyclist suffered serious injuries in a morning crash in Cape Coral on Thursday morning.

The crash occurred just after 7 a.m. on Old Burnt Store Road N near Kismet Parkway, according to the Cape Coral Police Department.

Juliet Kim, who was not wearing a helmet, was riding her bike north in the northbound lanes of travel when she was struck from behind by a red 2001 BMW driven by 49-year-old Timothy Richard Gray Allen.

The impact of the crash launched Kim’s bike 138 feet, police said. She was airlifted to Lee Memorial Hospital and remains in critical condition, police said.

Kim’s bike was equipped with a white light and a blinking red light.

Because of the impact, Gray Allen swerved and lost control of the car, ended in a swale next to the road where the car came to rest on its side.

Gray Allen suffered minor injuries in the crash, police said. He was taken out of the vehicle by the Cape Coral Fire Department.

Cathy Maniscalco says this stretch of Old Burnt Store road is dangerous. There are no bike paths, no sidewalks and no street lights.

“And all it takes is a second for tragedy,” Maniscalco said.

Maniscalco won’t let her 13-year-old son ride or walk along the road. She and other neighbors want to see a bike path along this stretch of road, especially since kids walk there every day.

“There’s a family that’s concerned about her, and she’s in our prayers,” Maniscalco said.

Police said alcohol and drugs are a factor in the crash. Gray Allen faces criminal charges for the crash, police said.

Gray Allen has a lengthy history of traffic violations, including reckless driving and at least one prior DUI, according to the Lee County Clerk of Court.

Cape Coral police Corporal Phil Mullen, public information officer for the department, said this day and age it’s easy to avoid driving while under the influence.

“There’s really zero excuse to ever put yourself behind the wheel,” Mullen said. “This is just a horrible horrible example of what can happen if you do.”

Cape Coral police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact the department at 239-574-3223 or submit an anonymous tip at Cape Coral Police Tips, TipSubmit, sending us a through CCPD social media platforms or calling SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS using case report # 21-004192.

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