Cyclists push for more bike safety

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A group of cyclists in Brunswick County are paving their way to safety by clearing the shoulders of Highway 179.

There’s a constant flow of traffic along the highway near Shallotte. Cyclists say the narrow, and sometimes dirt-covered, shoulders make it hazardous for riding. Dan Dickerson said he’s reached out to the Department of Transportation multiple times only to be told cyclists could ride in the center of the road if the shoulder was too dangerous.

“Riding in the middle of the road would be absolutely ridiculous,” Dickerson said. “It would be totally unsafe and life threatening to any bikers who might be passing through here.”

After his own bike accident 8 years ago, Dickerson said he and fellow cyclists gathered shovels to clear the debris from the road’s shoulders last weekend.

“In many areas, gravel and dirt had actually come out into the road far enough to cover the white lines, forcing bikers into the traffic lane.”

A DOT spokesman tells WWAY, the department maintains the roadways for all users. He also said,bike lanes can be added through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.