Bicyclist Critical After Crashing Into Garbage Truck

MADEIRA BEACH, FL — A bicyclist is in critical condition after crashing into a Madeira Beach garbage truck Saturday morning.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, around 7:30 a.m. 38 year-old John Leppert of St. Petersburg was driving a city of Madeira Beach garbage truck northeast on Gulf Boulevard to get to 129th Avenue West.

Julie Henning, 44, of Alexandria, Virginia, was riding her bicycle in the designated bike lane northbound over John's Pass Bridge on Gulf Boulevard, approaching 129th Avenue West.

According to a witness and the garbage truck passenger, Henning was unable to stop at the base of the hill after crossing the bridge and struck the passenger side of the garbage truck, ejecting her from her bicycle.

Henning was wearing a helmet. She was transported to Bayfront Hospital with critical injuries.