Lakeland Bicyclist Dies After Crash on U.S. 98 North

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A 67-year-old Lakeland man died on Thursday morning after his bicycle collided with a van on U.S. Highway 98 North. The crash happened around 10 a.m. on a seven-lane stretch of the highway near Pyramid Parkway, just south of Interstate 4. According to police, the bicyclist moved into the center lane and into the path of the southbound van, resulting in a collision. The driver of the van remained at the scene and was not injured.

Why it matters

U.S. 98 North has been the site of multiple fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists in recent years, with four such incidents occurring between 2018 and 2024 on a 0.75-mile stretch of the highway. This latest tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges Lakeland faces in improving bicycle safety on its streets, even as the city has invested in recreational trails and paths.

The details

According to the Lakeland Police Department, the crash involved a Ford E-150 van driven by 33-year-old Jorge Reyes Jr. of Mulberry, who was traveling south in the center lane of U.S. 98. At the same time, the 67-year-old Lakeland bicyclist was riding south in the outside lane. For unknown reasons, the bicyclist moved into the center lane and into the path of the van, resulting in the collision.

• The crash happened around 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
• The southbound lanes of U.S. 98 near Pyramid Parkway and the I-4 Exit 32 ramp were closed for about an hour while police investigated and redirected traffic.

What’s next

The crash remains under investigation by Lakeland Police traffic homicide investigators. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigating officer Emily Suttle.