Bicyclist Killed in Rickenbacker Causeway Crash with Teen Dirt Bike Rider

A tragic accident on Miami’s Rickenbacker Causeway has left one man dead and raised serious concerns about illegal and unsafe dirt bike riding on public roads. According to the Miami Police Department, a 54-year-old cyclist, Fabian Moses, was struck and killed by a dirt bike ridden by a 14-year-old juvenile on Friday evening.

The crash occurred around 8:20 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of the causeway, a popular route for both motorists and cyclists. Authorities say Moses was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The teenage dirt bike rider was also hospitalized with facial injuries, while a female passenger riding on the back of the dirt bike escaped injury. Police confirmed that charges are pending as the investigation continues.

Under Florida law, off-road dirt bikes are not street legal unless modified to meet specific safety and registration requirements. Riding them on major roadways such as the Rickenbacker Causeway is both dangerous and unlawful.

The presence of a minor operating a dirt bike on a public roadway not only violated traffic laws but also created a foreseeable risk of harm to others, including cyclists who rely on the causeway’s shoulder and lanes for recreation and commuting.

Wrongful Death Claims After Bicycle Accidents

When a cyclist is killed in a collision caused by negligence or unlawful conduct, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

Damages in a wrongful death case may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the decedent’s financial support and services
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving spouses, children, or parents

Because the dirt bike rider in this case is only 14 years old, additional legal questions arise regarding parental liability and potential responsibility of any adults who allowed or enabled the teen to operate the bike.

Potential Liability Beyond the Juvenile Rider

In crashes involving minors, families of victims often ask: “Who can be held accountable?” Florida law provides several avenues for civil recovery:

• Parents or Guardians: May be held liable if they negligently entrusted the dirt bike to a minor or failed to properly supervise its use.
• Owners of the Dirt Bike: If the vehicle was owned by an adult, they could face liability for entrusting it to a child not legally permitted to operate it.
• Insurance Coverage: While auto insurance policies typically exclude coverage for unregistered dirt bikes, homeowners’ or umbrella policies may apply in certain circumstances.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help investigate ownership records, insurance coverage, and the circumstances under which the minor gained access to the vehicle.

The Rickenbacker Causeway has long been a high-risk area for cyclists. Despite being one of Miami’s most popular cycling routes, it has seen numerous accidents, some of them fatal. Factors include high traffic speeds, mixed-use lanes, and, as in this case, illegal vehicles operating on the roadway.

This tragedy underscores the ongoing need for increased enforcement and safety measures to protect cyclists and pedestrians who legally share the road.