Pedestrian fatally hit by motorcycle while crossing SR 70 in Bradenton

A 64-year-old Palmetto man was killed at noon Tuesday after being hit by a motorcycle while trying to walk across State Road 70 at 87th Street East in Bradenton.

A Florida Highway Patrol report said the pedestrian, who was on the median, stepped in front of westbound traffic, causing vehicles to brake suddenly. The motorcycle, a Harley Davidson, was westbound, following vehicles that had to brake suddenly. The report said the driver of the motorcycle, a 63-year-old male from Canada, steered to his right to avoid the slowing vehicles and collided with the pedestrian.

Both the motorcycle driver and his 58-year-old female passenger, also from Canada, were thrown from the motorcycle. Both were transported to Blake Hospital in Bradenton. The man is in critical condition while the woman is in serious condition. Both were wearing helmets.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating.