Bicyclist hit by car in crosswalk along Pinellas Trail had right of way: police

The bicyclist hit by a car while pedaling inside a crosswalk along the Pinellas Trail earlier this month had the right of way, according to a clarification issued Monday by the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Meanwhile, officers continue to look for the driver of the white sedan that struck Steven Weldon in the area of 666 49th Street S on Nov. 1.

Video released Monday shows the moments leading up to the hit-and-run, adding additional context to the crash.

Shortly before Weldon enters the crosswalk, one of two cyclists crossing from the opposite side of the street presses the button to activate the flashing lights signaling traffic to stop. Weldon crosses half of 49th St. S before he is hit by the sedan, sending him sprawling over the hood of the car and crushing his bike.

The driver stopped and helped pull Weldon and his bike out of the road. Then, police said, the driver got back into his car and drove away.

By law, drivers must stop if there is anyone in a crosswalk. The driver also was obligated to stay at the scene until police arrive.

Although Weldon, 42, could have exercised more caution, according to police, he had the right of way and won’t face any charges.

Weldon, who was traveling to his job as a cook at Dead Bob’s, 6717 Central Ave. N., suffered a broken left wrist, a fractured right wrist and a severely sprained left ankle that are keeping him from returning to work.

He expects he’ll be out of work for six to eight weeks. He doesn’t know how he’ll provide for his 7-year-old daughter, Holiday, who he said is autistic. He’s figuring out how to set up a GoFundMe page.

Police ask that anyone with information about the identity of the driver of the white sedan call (727) 893-7780.

Times staff writer Jamal Thalji contributed to this report.