Bicyclist, Motorcycle Driver Hurt in Crash at First Avenue North

A bicycle rider, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered critical injuries after midnight when he rode into the path of a motorcycle, according to St. Petersburg Police.

The motorcycle driver suffered minor injuries and was wearing a helmet, police said.

The vehicles became entangled upon impact and both drivers were ejected.

According to St. Petersburg Police, the accident happened on Friday, April 26, at 12:30 a.m., at 1st Avenue North and 7th Street North.

A bicycle driven by Jason Peter Smith, 40, was southbound on 7th Street North and approaching the intersection of 1st Avenue North.

A 1984 Honda motorcycle, driven by 44-year-old Thomas Lepka, was westbound on 1st Avenue North in the middle lane and was approaching the same intersection.

Based on a witness statement, Smith failed to yield from a stop sign, entered
the intersection and rode directly into the path of Lepka's motorcycle.

The front of the motorcycle struck the left side of the bicycle and caused them to become entangled.

Lepka and Smith were both ejected from their vehicles and landed in the roadway. Once the bicycle became separated from the motorcycle, the motorcycle continued in a southwest direction, where it left the roadway and struck a street sign and tree.

Lepka and Smith were transported to Bayfront Medical Center. Lepka was wearing a helmet and sustained minor injuries. Smith was not wearing a helmet and is listed in critical condition.

The investigation is ongoing with toxicology tests pending, police said.

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