GREENSBORO, N.C. — Cyclists across the state are pushing for more safety on the roads following Safe Streets Week. 

North Carolina’s Department of Transportation reported 284,157 motor vehicle crashes across the state in 2023. That's 10,000 more than in 2022. 

This includes all forms of vehicle involved in accidents, including cars, buses, bikes and pedestrians.

Last week in High Point, a 33-year-old man riding a bike was killed in a hit-and-run, just one of many hit-and-runs involving a cyclist this year.

What You Need To Know

  • Cyclist deaths from motor vehicle crashes were up 100% in 2023

  • Cities like Charlotte saw almost 200 cases where cars hit cyclists last year

  • November between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. is when the majority of vehicle crashes occur

  • Cyclists can take the full lane regardless of a bike lane being present in North Carolina

Nicole Lindahl, the project coordinator for Bicycling in Greensboro Inc., a safe biking advocacy group, has been riding her bike since she was a kid. She rides almost everywhere and sold her car in 2004 to help combat climate change.

“I am passionate about environmental issues, and I feel like transportation is a huge piece of that. We can make a difference. And this is one way that we can do that is by leading by example,” said Lindahl. 

Before every ride, she goes over gear safety, checking her breaks, tires, chains, water bottle, lights and other gear. 

Lindahl riding her bike on the road in Greensboro.
Lindahl riding her bike on the road in Greensboro. (Spectrum News 1/Sydney McCoy)

“I don't want to get on my bike and be on the road and then find out, oops, my brakes don't work,” Lindahl said.

Despite all of her pre-ride checks, safety on the road is still a concern for Lindahl, who has gotten hit by cars six times while riding her bike. She has been hospitalized multiple times, she said. 

“For many decades, lower income areas were not prioritized for bicycling infrastructure. Greenways and bike lanes didn't start being constructed in lower income areas until decades after they had already been constructed in higher income areas. So these streets are not as safe,” Lindahl said. 

With some areas of cities across the state not having safe options for cyclists, NCDOT said between 2022 and 2023, cyclists deaths from being hit by a car rose by 100%. Forty cyclists were hit and killed by cars last year, according to their 2023 traffic crash facts.

“I have a right to take the full lane. It's in North Carolina law that we have the same rights and responsibilities, for the most part, as drivers do in cars,” Lindahl said. 

 

In North Carolina, cyclists may and can choose to ride in the main travel lane, even when bicycle lanes are present. Drivers passing cyclists must leave 2 feet clearance of the cyclist in a passing lane or at least 4 feet of clearance when passing a double line. 

“If there were a rock in the road ... that can make a big difference in a cyclist's ability to balance. If you were only a foot or two away from that cyclist when you're passing, that could be just enough to push them in front of your car,” Lindahl said. 

Last year, Charlotte saw the most vehicle and bike accidents with almost 200 cyclists hit and one death. Other cities with high bike crash rates include Raleigh, Wilmington, Durham, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Cary and Asheville. Four cyclists died in car crashes in Asheville last year. 

“Another major issue is just that our infrastructure hasn't kept up with the number of people that are choosing to bicycle,” said Lindahl. 

Lindahl signaling a turn on her bike.
Lindahl signaling a turn on her bike. (Spectrum News 1/Sydney McCoy)

The worst time for car crashes was in November between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. last year, with the many accidents being caused by speeding or distracted driving, according to transportation officials.

Lindahl said she believes another reason could be due to the routine of drivers not accounting for the light change from daylight saving time. 

“You are traveling at a time of day when visibility issues are going to be an issue. And making that a prominent thought in your head every time you get into the car,” Lindahl said. 

She encourages others to dust off their bikes and hit the roads as the more cyclists are out there, the more drivers will know how to drive with cyclists. 

“Just being conscious that we exist is a step in the right direction,” Lindahl said.

Check the list below for bike advocacy and safety groups in your area.