Bicyclist Injured In Pinellas Hit And Run Gifted New Bike

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A bicyclist who suffered serious injuries in a hit-and-run crash that authorities said also destroyed his only form of transportation was gifted a new bike this week from a Pinellas County business.

In May, 40-year-old Kenny Gamble of St. Petersburg was riding his bike across 54th Avenue North when he was struck by a blue Dodge Ram 1500 as it left a nearby Texaco Gas Station, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The driver of the truck then fled the scene, authorities said.

Gamble suffered serious head and spinal cord injuries in the crash and is still recovering, police said.

According to police, Gamble's bike — his sole form of transportation — was destroyed in the crash.

"Unable to work or acquire another bicycle, a FHP victim advocate worked to help locate a donor for a replacement," authorities said in a news release. "Upon learning of Gamble’s circumstances, Eddie Mullally of Neptune Cyclery immediately offered to assist and provided a brand new bicycle. With the bicycle delivered today by FHP Troopers, Gamble was overwhelmed with thanks for the Tarpon Springs-based bike shop’s support and assistance."

Meanwhile, authorities continue to search for the driver that hit Gamble. Anyone with information should contact the Florida Highway Patrol at *347 or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.