CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The pandemic has forced people to find new recreational activities and outdoor hobbies, and biking is near the top of the list.

Even though more people are opting to get out on two wheels, the ride is dangerous.

Kevin Raley is a bike messenger who depends on his bicycle to get around Charlotte. It’s his only mode of transportation and it’s his job.

But cruising the Charlotte streets on two wheels isn’t as easy as Raley makes it look.

“The biggest challenge is definitely speed. Everybody has got to be somewhere fast. And distracted driving, either looking at these buildings uptown or on their phone,” Raley says.

Raley says aggressive driving is also a major issue for bike riders.

At Uptown Cycles, Owner Chris Sheehan has been helping put new and veteran cyclists on the road for more than 10 years. Sheehan agrees that getting around Charlotte on a bike can be a dangerous ride.

“Sometimes our bikes weigh 15 pounds and we’re only wearing lycra, so we’re not protected against a vehicle,” Sheehan says.

In 2020, more than 20 cyclists were killed on North Carolina roads, including four cyclists killed in the Charlotte area. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police say these tragedies could have been avoided.

“For the vehicle, it’s usually speed, impairment, or distracted driving. If it’s the pedestrian or cyclist, it’s usually for not following the rules of the road," Detective Justin Cupfer with CMPD explains.

Police officers are on the roads daily looking for those hazards that could lead to a fatal accident. But for the men and women cruising the streets on two wheels, enforcement is just one piece of the puzzle.

“In Boston, there’s a bike lane on every street. In Tampa, you can ride unencumbered for as long as you want. Here, I’d like to see more protected bike lanes and not just the uptown area, but on the streets, on the major streets,” Raley adds.

In 2019, 19 cyclists were killed statewide. That number increased to 26 by the end of November 2020.