SCAT Bus Hits Bicyclist In Gulf Gate

A Sarasota County Area Transit bus driver faces a violation of right-of-way charge after striking a bicyclist with the bus in Gulf Gate Monday afternoon. 

The SCAT bus was stopped on northbound Gateway Avenue for a red light at Clark Road when a bicyclist, Michael P. Kelly, 51 of Sarasota, rode his bicycle on the shoulder of Clark Road approaching Gateway Avenue, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

The bus, driven by William T. Mitchell Jr., 57, of Englewood, drove forward as the bicyclist crossed the crosswalk, striking Kelly and the bike around 12:50 p.m., according to Highway Patrol. 

Kelly sustained minor injuries as was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for treatment, according to Highway Patrol. 

Mitchell faces the right-of-way violation charge, according to Highway Patrol. One passenger was on the bus and was not injured during the crash, according to the report.