A Key West man is in critical but stable condition after the bicycle he was riding collided with a van. Edgardo Alvarado Vazquez, 55, was flown out to Ryder Trauma Center. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. Friday at the intersection of South Roosevelt and Duck Avenue. Early indications are that a Chevy cargo van headed outbound hit the cyclist. The van was driven by Luis Betancourt, 51, of Stock Island. The outbound lanes of South Roosevelt were closed while the crash was being investigated.

Friday night’s crash occurred just three days after a fatal cyclist accident on N. Roosevelt Blvd., and 10 days after another bicyclist died in a crash on Whitehead St. in Old Town.

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The KWPD says increased traffic congestion, coupled with other factors like distracted drivers or riders has spiked the number of crashes recently involving bicycles and vehicles. The Key West Police Department has enacted a new campaign to increase education and enforcement in the most dangerous areas: along the boulevards. With the help of a grant by the Florida Department of Transportation, increased numbers of officers are on the roads watching that everyone – motorists, cyclists and pedestrians – are alert and obeying traffic laws. These recent tragedies are a stark reminder to slow down and be alert.

See related stories: Bicyclist Dies in North Roosevelt crash [Video News].

Name of Key West Man Who Died Tuesday in Old Town Bicycle/Truck Collision Released