Legislative Campaign
gabbi &
niki's law
Two women. Two crashes. One broken system. Gabbi Suver’s spine was shattered by a hit-and-run driver who was never found. Niki Isaak was struck by reckless, uninsured motorcyclists — and the DA refused to prosecute. It’s time to change the law.
Florida ranks #1 in cyclist fatalities per capital
Cyclist deaths per year in Florida
Florida ranks #1 in cyclist fatalities per capital
Florida ranks #1 in cyclist fatalities per capital
01
GABBI'S STORY
Gabrielle “Gabbi” Suver is a professional triathlete from Clermont, Florida. At 35, she was at the peak of her career, training for Ironman Cozumel. On the morning of November 15, 2025, she set out on a routine training ride along a county road near Orlando — the same roads she’d ridden hundreds of times before.
A vehicle sideswiped her and kept driving. There were no witnesses. Gabbi lost consciousness on impact and was found on the roadside.
Her injuries: three spinal fractures, a fractured neck, broken left tibia and fibula, fractured patella, sternum, and scapula, nine broken ribs, a lacerated liver, and a concussion.
She has undergone multiple surgeries requiring rods and hardware for spinal and lower-leg reconstruction. The driver who destroyed her body and her career has never been identified.
Matt Scarborough, founder of Scarborough Bike Law and a lifelong cyclist, personally offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the driver’s arrest. But a reward isn’t enough. The law itself must change.
"I'm not sure how much I would want to ride outside anymore, because it's getting so dangerous."
— Gabbi Suver
NIKKI'S STORY
Niki Isaak is a nurse at the VA Hospital, a mother, and a competitive cyclist. Her husband Sonny races, and their 12-year-old son is an elite youth cyclist. After knee surgery, Niki switched from triathlons to cycling-only events. She’d just finished rehab and was excited to race her brand-new bike as a Cat 4 rider.
On October 12, 2025, she was 33 miles into the 52-mile Florida Central Classic bicycle race near Brooksville when a large group of motorcyclists began riding alongside the race participants at speeds exceeding 100 mph. One motorcyclist struck Niki from behind.
Her injuries: a puncture wound through her glute, blood loss, a tailbone injury, and reinjury to her surgically repaired knee. She faced over $240,000 in hospital bills and three weeks of unpaid leave from work.
The motorcyclists carried no insurance. The local district attorney refused to prosecute. Under current Florida law, there is no enhanced penalty for reckless driving that injures a vulnerable road user — and no requirement that the DA bring charges.
"The last place you'd ever think you'd actually get hit is in a sanctioned event. Mentally it keeps worsening. Fitness is our life."
— Niki Isaak
02
The Problem with Florida Law
Florida’s current hit-and-run statute was strengthened in 2014 by the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act — named for another cyclist killed by a fleeing driver. But critical gaps remain that leave cyclists dangerously unprotected.
No Mandatory Minimum for Serious Injury
A driver who shatters a cyclist’s spine and flees can receive probation. Only fatal hit-and-runs carry mandatory minimums.
No Vulnerable Road User Protection
Florida law treats a cyclist on a 15-pound bike the same as a driver in a 4,000-pound SUV. No enhanced penalties for hitting vulnerable road users.
No Universal Liability Insurance
Florida is one of the only two states that does not require bodily injury liability insurance. Victims of unidentified drivers often have no recovery path.
No Safe Passing Distance Specififed
Florida requries a ‘safe distance’ when passing cyclists but does not define a minimum. No measurable standard means no enforcement.
03
The Solution: Gabbi & Niki's Law
The Gabrielle Suver and Niki Isaak Cyclist and Vulnerable Road User Protection Act would transform Florida from the most dangerous state for cyclists into a national model for cyclist protection.
Mandatory Minimums
No more probation for drivers who shatter a cyclist's body and flee. Real prison time, guaranteed.
Permanent License Revocation
Hit a cyclist and run? You lose your license. Permanently. No hardship exceptions for 10 years.
Vehicle Forfeiture
The vehicle used in a VRU hit-and-run becomes property of the state. Use your car as a weapon, lose your car.
Victim Compensation Fund
A $5/year surcharge on vehicle registrations creates an $80M fund for victims of unidentified hit-and-run drivers.
Universal Liability Insurance
Require all Florida motorists to carry bodily injury liability coverage. End the insurance gap that leaves victims with nothing.
3-Foot Safe Passing Law
Codify a minimum 3-foot passing distance (6 feet over 45 mph) with a $500 fine and misdemeanor for injury violations.
Proposed Penalty Enhancements
| OFFENSE | CURRENT LAW | GABBI & NIKI’S LAW |
| Hit-and-Run with Injury to Cyclist | 3rd Degree Felony — Up to 5 years, no minimum | 2nd Degree Felony — 2 year mandatory minimum, up to 15 years |
| Hit-and-Run with Serious Bodily Injury | 2nd Degree Felony — Up to 15 years, no minimum | 1st Degree Felony — 5 year mandatory minimum, up to 30 years |
| Hit-and-Run Causing Death of Cyclist | 1st Degree Felony — 4 year minimum, up to 30 years | Enhanced 1st Degree Felony — 10 year minimum, up to life |
Additional mandatory consequences for all convictions: permanent license revocation, vehicle forfeiture, 200 hours community service, mandatory traffic safety course, and full restitution with no cap.
04
Add Your Voice
Every signature tells the Florida Legislature that cyclists demand protection. Join thousands of riders, athletes, and advocates calling for Gabbi and Niki’s Law.
Your name goes on the petition delivered to the Florida Legislature
Receive updates on the bill's progress and how you can help
Join a coalition of cyclists fighting for safer roads
05
In the News
Gabbi and Niki’s cases have received national and local media attention, highlighting the urgent need for stronger cyclist protection laws in Florida.
OUTSIDE ONLINE
PRO TRIATHLETE HIT BY CAR IN ORLAND TRAINING ride
wish 2 news
Clermont Triathlete struck by hit-and-run driver
fox 3s orlando
Professional athlete critically injured in lake county hit-and-run
Wlrn
Florida's dangerous roads for cyclists
06
The lawyer writing the law
Matt Scarborough has spent 34 years as a trial lawyer and 34 years as a competitive cyclist. He founded Scarborough Bike Law to protect the cycling community — not just in the courtroom, but in the legislature.
Gabbi and Niki’s Law is the first step in a national legislative campaign to give cyclists the legal protection they deserve in every state. When Matt says he understands what cyclists face on the road, he means it — he’s been there.
How You Can Help
01
Sign the petition above — every name counts.
02
Share Gabbi and Niki’s story on social media with #GabbiAndNikisLaw.
03
Contact your Florida state representative and senator.
04
Report any hit-and-run incident using our crash reporting tool.
05
Join the SBL Cycling Team and ride for safer roads.