Bicycle safety on River Road

With these high gas prices currently, more people are opting for other forms of transportation.

That means cars sharing the road with more bikes.

The narrow bike lanes on River Road can be a scary place, especially in parts where the lane isn’t very wide.

Even after a cyclist was killed in an accident between Cathay Road and Riverbreeze Drive Tuesday night, North Carolina highway patrol first Sergeant J.O. Holmes said sharing the road isn’t a cause for concern.

“From a highway patrol stand point we haven’t had any unusual cause for concerns out there. I know that is a popular spot among bicyclists.” said Holmes.

With a small bike lane, high volume of traffic, and a fast speed limit, residents said they are surprised there haven’t been more accidents.

Neil Epps, a River Road resident said “It’s dangerous, it’s a narrow bike lane, the speed limits 55, and people pass me at 55 miles per hour.”

Area residents say danger for bike riders only increase along the curves on river road because drivers simply can’t see them.

Even on curves where the bike lane does not narrow, you see cars drive into it often.

Sergeant Holmes said drivers need to remember to share the road with cyclists.

“Motorists need to realize that they have as much right to be there as the vehicle does. If they’re coming up on a bicyclist or a group of bicyclists they, you know they need to reduce their speed.” said Holmes.

Residents said most riders travel around 5 PM, right around the time vehicle traffic increases.